New Road to Zero must be viable, says Simon Bailes Peugeot
Added: 04 February 2020
Prime minister Boris Johnson is announcing today that the sale of all new diesel and petrol cars and vans will be banned five years ahead of the government’s original 2040 deadline, says Simon Bailes Peugeot.
New sales – including hybrids – will cease from 2035 as part of a concerted effort to persuade more people to switch to all-electric vehicles.
Petrol and diesel devotees still have 15 years to prepare – a period that will give both vehicle manufacturers and the government the necessary time to make EV accessible to all.
The popularity of electric is slowly increasing but the perception is that, for many, the prospect of running an EV is either impractical or unaffordable.
However, prices will reduce, and the network of charging points grow as it becomes part of mainstream motoring. All the major brands are investing in the technology, with Peugeot recently launching its all-electric e-208.
While a deadline provides a useful focus, I would highlight the need for the government to make a major investment in the development of EV.
There is also work focused in other clean power sources such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels.
With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars still 15 years away, there’s certainly no cause for panic – as the average age of a car in 2017 was 8.1 years.
Those concerned at the environmental effects of fossil-fuelled vehicles can also be reassured by a new generation of efficient petrol and diesel engines offering significantly improved fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
These include Peugeot’s PureTech advanced 3-cylinder petrol engine, winner of the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 international engine of the year, a component in the Peugeot 208, 2008 SUV, 308 hatchback and SW, 3008 SUV, 5008 SUV and the all-new Rifter.
Meanwhile, Peugeot’s BlueHDi delivers the cleanest diesel engine possible. It complies with Euro 6 emission standards thanks to a three-stage cleansing process, reducing nitrogen oxides by up to 90% and eliminating 99.9% of particulates.
Simon Bailes said: “EV technology continues to evolve and it is vital the government and the car industry works together to ensure the 2035 deadline is achievable.
“However, we should not ban highly-efficient petrol and diesel cars until the UK is able to provide a viable EV infrastructure and motorists are not left at a disadvantage due to their income or where they live.”