Mexican Media Brands
U.K. Accelerates Planned ICE Phaseout to 2035
Prime Minister vows personal leadership but provides few details
#hybrid #regulations
Share
The U.K. is moving the planned phaseout date for sales of piston-powered vehicles (including hybrids) from 2040 to 2035, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Tuesday.
Declaring that “urgent action” is needed to combat climate change, Johnson vowed to provide personal leadership in helping the U.K. meet its target of net zero emissions by 2050. But he didn’t provide any details about how the transition would be achieved or related government support programs.
Industry Concern
The country’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) association was quick to blast the vague announcement.
“A date without a plan will merely destroy value today,” warns SMMT CEO Mike Hawes.
Noting that EVs currently account for a small fraction of the U.K.’s sales, Hawes calls for safeguards to protect the domestic auto industry and its jobs. He also laments the U.K.’s “woefully inadequate” charging infrastructure.
There currently are 60 plug-in electrified vehicles available in the country with another 34 due to go into service later this year. Any new initiatives must be careful not to undermine sales of such vehicles, Hawes stresses.
RELATED CONTENT
-
The Panamera. . .Wagon
There are two things that are true of automotive journalists: they like station wagons.
-
Mustangs, Camaros and F-150s
If you’re shopping for a Mustang, you’re faced with a variety of choices, not simply in terms of the color or the wheels that you’re going to be applying to your ride, but in terms of which model you’re going to select.
-
On Zeekr, the Price of EVs, and Lighting Design
About Zeekr, failure, the price of EVs, lighting design, and the exceedingly attractive Karma
