Home | Blog | Are petrol and diesel cars here to stay, despite the 2030 ban?

Are petrol and diesel cars here to stay, despite the 2030 ban?

By Paul Baxter, 27th September 2024

With the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales looming, you might expect drivers to be rushing toward electric vehicles (EVs). However, new research that we’ve conducted amongst UK motorists reveals that many are planning to stick with traditional fuel for now. In fact, two in three drivers planning to buy a brand new car before the ban are opting for petrol or diesel. So, why are so many people still reluctant to go electric?

One key factor is uncertainty. A quarter of people surveyed admitted they don’t even know where they would charge an EV if they owned one! While some drivers are lucky enough to have a driveway or garage where they can install a charger, others are left wondering if charging stations will be accessible when they need them. Public charging infrastructure is still a big concern for those without home charging options, which makes committing to an electric car a tricky decision.

Interestingly, while 88% of UK motorists know about the upcoming ban on petrol and diesel vehicles, two-thirds are unaware that new hybrid car sales will also be banned by 2035. This could mean that even though many people are thinking about transitioning to hybrids as a compromise, they may not realize that option will only be available for a few more years.

But it’s not all about charging worries. There’s also hesitation around the cost of EVs. Even though they offer savings in the long run—lower running costs and maintenance—many drivers are still put off by the higher upfront price. Add to that the perception that public charging is inconvenient or unreliable, and it’s easy to see why petrol and diesel cars are still popular choices, especially for those looking to make a big purchase before the ban.

It's evident that more work is needed to convince motorists to switch to electric. People want reassurance on affordability and better charging options, especially those who can’t install home chargers. With petrol and diesel cars being one of the largest contributors to emissions in the UK, we believe that the government needs to step up its efforts in providing clearer incentives and better infrastructure to support the transition to EVs.

As drivers weigh up their options, it’s clear that there’s still a lot of uncertainty about going electric. What will it take to make the switch easier for motorists? Better public charging stations and cost-effective incentives seem to be a good place to start.