The European Union is reportedly considering a delay to its planned ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, potentially pushing the deadline back from 2035 to 2040. This move, confirmed by industry sources including former automotive executives, has significant implications for the United Kingdom’s own transition to electric vehicles.
EU’s Shift and Pressure on the UK
The reported delay stems from growing resistance within the EU, particularly from Germany, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. These nations favor a more flexible, technology-neutral approach—reducing CO2 emissions by 90% by 2035 and 100% by 2040—rather than an outright ban. This would allow manufacturers to meet targets using various technologies, not just fully electric vehicles.
The EU’s re-evaluation also comes amid policy shifts in the United States, where President Trump has reversed incentives for electric car adoption. This global context adds pressure on the UK, which currently plans to ban petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 (with some hybrid exceptions until 2035). A more lenient EU stance could fuel calls for the UK government to reconsider its stricter timeline.
Diverging Approaches: EU vs. UK
The difference in proposed timelines is critical. The EU’s potential 2040 deadline would allow only pure electric cars after that date, while the UK’s 2030 ban would still permit some hybrids with “meaningful” electric range until 2035. This difference could create market distortions and complicate planning for automakers operating in both regions.
EV Sales and Policy Confusion in the UK
Despite strong initial growth, electric car sales in the UK have slowed recently. While up 26% overall for 2025, November sales rose only 3.6% compared to the previous year. Manufacturers also struggle to meet Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates, requiring 28% of sales to be electric by 2025 and 33% by 2026.
Adding to this complexity, the UK government has extended its Electric Car Grant until 2030 while simultaneously introducing a per-mile tax on electric vehicles starting in 2028. This mixed messaging could deter some consumers from switching to EVs.
The EU’s decision will inevitably influence the UK’s trajectory, potentially softening its own ambitious timeline and creating a more gradual transition to electric vehicles.
Ultimately, the delay in the EU ban will likely increase pressure on the UK to reconsider its own timeline. The UK’s more aggressive approach may now seem less sustainable in light of broader market trends and political realities.
