Automakers Jointly Lobby Government, Which Insists Ban Remains Non-Negotiable
In April this year, BMW, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, and German automotive supplier Bosch co-signed a letter to the UK government, urging it to abandon the policy banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. The letter, obtained by The Guardian, revealed that the automakers advocated for an 'open technology approach,' allowing hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, range-extended electric vehicles, and even internal combustion engine (ICE) models using sustainable fuels to remain on the market.
A UK government spokesperson subsequently reaffirmed that the 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars was 'not up for negotiation.' However, the ruling Labour Party had already relaxed electric vehicle (EV) sales targets for the period leading up to 2030 earlier this year and is considering further adjustments to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. One of the automakers' core demands was for UK policy to align with the European Union. In December last year, the EU revised its 2035 EV sales target from 100% to 90%, reserving 10% of the market for ICE vehicles.
Climate Experts Warn Carbon Reduction Progress at Risk
The UK Climate Change Committee emphasized that the 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars is a cornerstone of the UK's carbon reduction strategy, with the transition to EVs identified as the single largest contributor to cutting emissions over the next decade. The committee warned that any policy reversal would significantly weaken the UK's ability to meet its climate commitments and could impact global carbon reduction efforts.
The lobbying campaign unfolded as France and Spain faced severe wildfires, displacing over 300,000 people from their homes. Despite the escalating climate crisis, automakers maintained that multiple technology options should be preserved. BMW expressed concerns about the 2026 sales requirements under the ZEV mandate, stating that 'consumer demand has not kept pace.' A Toyota spokesperson urged the government to 'remain open-minded,' emphasizing that the company's multi-pathway strategy enables customers to reduce emissions 'as much as possible, as quickly as possible.'
EV Efficiency Advantage: Experts Criticize Automakers' Short-Sightedness
Colin Walker, Head of Transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, criticized the automakers' opposition to the EV transition as 'swimming against the tide.' He warned that if the UK automotive industry fails to transition in time, it risks being overtaken by Chinese EV manufacturers, leading to factory closures and job losses. Walker stressed that in terms of carbon reduction and operational costs, EVs are far more efficient than traditional ICE vehicles, with no other technology able to match their performance.
Matt Galvin, UK Managing Director of electric vehicle brand Polestar, described the suggestion of reversing the all-electric vehicle policy amid a deepening climate crisis as a 'historic policy failure.' He noted that EV technology has matured, consumer acceptance is growing year by year, and economic benefits continue to strengthen. Galvin called on policymakers to accelerate the removal of barriers preventing drivers from switching to EVs, rather than reopening the door for petrol and diesel cars.
The 'highly efficient ICE' and sustainable fuel technologies advocated in the automakers' letter still produce carbon dioxide and other pollutants, failing to fundamentally address climate change. For example, the Chevrolet Bolt's 65 kWh battery provides a range of approximately 250 miles, equivalent to the energy consumed by just 2 gallons of gasoline. In contrast, traditional petrol cars are far less energy-efficient, wasting significant energy during combustion.
Industry Competition and Policy Tensions Continue to Escalate
Critics argue that the automakers' 'multi-pathway' approach risks the UK missing the opportunity to lead the EV transition. Chinese EV manufacturers are accelerating their expansion into the European market, and if the UK continues to allow the sale of ICE vehicles, it could face a decline in industrial competitiveness. A report by the UK Climate Change Committee explicitly states that the EV transition is key to achieving the UK's 2030 carbon reduction targets, and any policy rollback would deal a major blow to climate commitments.
As of now, Ford and Nissan have not publicly responded to the lobbying efforts, while Bosch has not provided further clarification. With the frequency of extreme climate events on the rise, the policy tug-of-war between automakers and the government continues, with the outcome set to directly influence the UK's—and the world's—carbon reduction progress and industrial development trajectory.
