UK: Hybrid cars to be exempt from 2040 ban on petrol and diesel
The British government has confirmed that petrol and diesel hybrid cars will still be permitted to be sold in 2040.
In a move that has been welcomed by the car industry, the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, confirmed that hybrid vehicles would be exempt from the ban on sales of diesel and petrol cars set for 2040.
The government’s Road to Zero strategy to reduce car pollution now includes a further target for at least 50% of new cars to be ultra-low emission by 2030.
Society of Motor Traders and Manufacturers boss, Mike Hawes, said that the allowing combustion engine-based powertrains to remain in production after 2040 was essential for the industry's transition to zero-emission transport, according to autocar.co.uk.
"With no one clear technology winner at this early stage, we are pleased policy makers have listened to industry’s calls to avoid prescriptive measures, which would hamper innovation and hold progress back, recognising that the transition should be led by industry and consumers," said Hawes.
