The UK government’s been banging on about banning petrol and diesel cars for years - but the deadlines have shifted more times than the M25 roadworks. First it was 2030, then hybrids were given extra time, and now the full ban on new petrol and diesel sales is set for 2035.
Confused? You’re not alone. Millions of UK drivers are wondering whether their current motor is doomed, when the switch actually happens, and what it all means for their wallets.
Here’s the clear lowdown on the ban, why it’s happening, and why clued-up homeowners are already jumping to electric vehicles (EVs) and home chargers rather than waiting for the final countdown.
PS We offer EV charger installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free quote.
The Ban Explained: What’s Actually Happening?
The UK’s plan to phase out petrol and diesel cars has had more plot twists than a soap opera.
Here’s the timeline, clear as a freshly polished windscreen:
Year | What’s Happening |
2030 | Original deadline for banning new petrol/diesel car sales (scrapped in 2023). |
2035 | New deadline: No new petrol or diesel cars/vans can be sold. Hybrids get a pass until 2035, but only if they can drive “significant” distances on electric power. |
Post 2035 | You can still drive your existing petrol/diesel car - the ban only applies to new sales. |
So, no, the government isn’t coming for your beloved 2015 Diesel Mondeo just yet.
The ban targets new car sales, meaning manufacturers can’t flog brand-new petrol or diesel motors after 2035.
Hybrids get a temporary reprieve, but they’ll need to be proper plug-in jobs with decent electric range, not those half-hearted mild hybrids that barely qualify as eco-friendly.
What It Means for Drivers
Yes, you can legally keep driving your petrol or diesel car long after 2035.
But should you? That’s another story.
Here’s why clinging to combustion could cost you:
Resale Values Are Already Sliding - As the 2035 deadline creeps closer, petrol and diesel cars will drop in desirability. Think of it like trying to flog a DVD player in the age of Netflix - buyers will be thin on the ground, and prices will sink accordingly.
EV Demand Is Only Going One Way - Carmakers are pumping billions into electric, and the second-hand EV market is booming. That means more choice, more competitive prices, and fewer people interested in petrol or diesel alternatives.
Hybrids Are Just a Pit Stop - Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) give you a taste of electric without full commitment, but remember - they too get the axe in 2035. If you’re buying new today, that’s not much of a runway.
Charging Is Becoming Easy - Public charge points are multiplying like Greggs sausage rolls, but the real game-changer is having your own home charger. It’s cheap, convenient, and means you’ll never be queuing at a forecourt again.
Bottom line?
Buying another petrol or diesel now could leave you holding the short straw when it comes time to sell.
Going electric sooner locks in lower running costs, protects your car’s value, and gets you ahead of the curve.
Why’s the Government Doing This?
No, the government’s not banning petrol and diesel cars just to ruin your Sunday drive or force you into a Tesla before you’re ready.
It’s about tackling some massive long-term challenges - and, for once, they’re thinking beyond the next election cycle.
Net Zero by 2050
The UK has legally tied itself to slashing carbon emissions to “net zero” by mid-century.
Transport is one of the worst offenders, accounting for around a quarter of total UK emissions.
EVs don’t pump anything out of the tailpipe, which makes them the easiest win for cleaner roads and progress toward that target.
Cleaner Air in Cities
Petrol and diesel engines don’t just emit CO₂ - they spew out nitrogen oxides and fine particles that hang around in the air.
These pollutants are linked to asthma, heart disease, and thousands of premature deaths every year.
By shifting to EVs, the government is hoping to cut the smog, especially in busy urban areas like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Energy Security & Independence
Oil is global, volatile, and often tied to geopolitics that the UK has zero control over.
Electricity, on the other hand, can be generated at home from renewables like wind and solar.
The more drivers swap petrol pumps for plug sockets, the less exposed we are to petrol price spikes every time there’s a crisis abroad.
Future-Proofing the Economy
The car industry is going electric, whether the UK likes it or not. China, the EU, and the US are already racing ahead with EV manufacturing and infrastructure.
If the UK doesn’t keep pace, we risk being left with outdated tech and no stake in the global green economy.
So no, this isn’t just green idealism - it’s about cleaning up our streets, stabilising energy bills, and making sure the UK doesn’t get left in the slow lane.
The EV Advantage: Why Switch Now?
If you’re still on the fence about EVs, let’s talk numbers. Electric cars aren’t just good for the planet - they’re kind to your wallet, too.
Here’s a quick comparison of running costs for a typical petrol car vs. an EV:
Cost Factor | Petrol Car | EV Car |
Fuel/Electricity Cost | ~£1,500/year (12,000 miles, 40mpg, £1.70/litre) | ~£400/year (12,000 miles, 4 miles/kWh, 30p/kWh home charging) |
Vehicle Tax | ~£190/year (standard rate) | £0 (EVs exempt until 2025, likely low thereafter) |
Maintenance | ~£300-£500/year (oil changes, exhausts, etc.) | ~£100-£200/year (fewer moving parts) |
Note: Costs are estimates based on 2025 UK averages. Fuel/electricity prices may vary.
Then there’s the sweeteners:
OZEV Grants - The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles offers grants to help cover the cost of home charger installation (up to £350 or 75% of the cost, whichever is lower, for eligible properties).
Lower Running Costs - EVs are cheaper to run, especially if you charge at home with off-peak tariffs.
Tax Perks - Company car drivers get massive Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax breaks on EVs - as low as 2% compared to 30%+ for petrol/diesel.
Switching to an EV isn’t just about dodging the ban - it’s about saving serious dosh.
Home Charging: The Ultimate Convenience
Public charging stations are multiplying faster than Greggs outlets - but let’s be honest, no one dreams of hanging around a motorway service station at midnight waiting for their car to juice up. That’s where home charging changes the game.
A dedicated EV charger at home means:
Charge While You Sleep
Plug in at night, wake up with a “full tank.” No queuing, no hunting for a free charger, no wasting time - just seamless, everyday convenience.
Save More with Smart Charging
Modern chargers aren’t just plugs - they’re smart.
You can schedule your charging for off-peak hours when electricity’s dirt cheap (we’re talking as little as 7p/kWh on certain tariffs).
That’s pennies per mile compared to petrol’s pounds.
Government-Backed & OZEV-Compliant
Install with Heatable and your charger meets all the official requirements.
That means you can still grab the government’s EV Chargepoint Grant (up to £350 off for eligible installs), making the switch even easier on your wallet.
Fixed-Price Peace of Mind
Forget mystery call-out fees and fiddly extras. Heatable gives you a straight-up, fixed-price quote for your charger installation - no surprises, no nonsense.
And here’s the thing: a home EV charger isn’t just a convenience - it’s the cheapest, most future-proof way to keep your car powered.
Plus, with more buyers prioritising EV-ready homes, it can give your property an extra boost when it comes time to sell.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait for 2035
The petrol and diesel ban might feel like it’s ages away, but 2035 will creep up faster than a speed camera fine.
Waiting until the last minute means you’ll be scrambling for EVs when demand’s through the roof and resale values for your old banger are in the gutter.
Switching to an EV now - and getting a home charger sorted – sets you up for cheaper driving, lower emissions, and a smug grin when the ban finally hits.
Ready to future-proof your driveway? Get your fixed-price EV charger installation quote today with Heatable.
Next Steps For Your EV Charger Journey:
When planning to install an EV charger for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section or check out our YouTube channel for informative videos.
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