The UK’s net zero target remains legally binding: the country is committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, against a 1990 baseline. The 2021 Net Zero Strategy set out the government’s long-term approach, including major changes to transport. Since then, the policy landscape has moved on, particularly around electric vehicles and the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
For drivers and car buyers, the most important point in 2026 is that the UK’s transition to zero-emission motoring is still moving ahead. The government has retained the 2030 phase-out of new purely petrol and diesel cars, while all new cars and vans are intended to be zero emission from 2035. A new review of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate was launched in August 2026, but the government’s stated pathway remains 2030 and 2035
Rishi Sunak Pushed Back the 2030 Ban to 2035
On 20 September 2023, Rishi Sunak announced that the planned 2030 end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans would be moved to 2035. The announcement was presented as a more gradual approach, giving motorists and manufacturers longer to prepare for the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
That 2035 date did not remain the final position. The change became an important part of the recent history of UK vehicle policy, but it was subsequently revised by the next government.
Keir Starmer’s Government maintains the 2023 Timeline
After taking office, Keir Starmer’s Government restored the commitment to phase out the sale of new purely petrol and diesel cars from 2030. The current policy is more nuanced than a blanket ban on every non-electric vehicle, however. The government has confirmed that hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can continue to be sold between 2030 and 2035, subject to the rules that apply during that period.
There is also an important distinction for vans. New non-zero-emission vans can continue to be sold between 2030 and 2035 under the current policy framework, while all new cars and vans are expected to be fully zero-emission from 2035.
The position is being reviewed again in 2026. In August, the government launched a consultation on the ZEV Mandate to help shape the route to 2030 and 2035. The consultation does not remove those headline dates. It is focused on how the transition is delivered and how the automotive sector can remain competitive.
To list a few, the key commitments declared by the Government stated:
• Phase out the sale of new purely petrol and diesel cars from 2030, while allowing eligible hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars to continue during the 2030 to 2035 transition period.
• Make all new cars and vans zero emission at the tailpipe from 2035.
• Use the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate to require manufacturers to increase the proportion of new cars and vans sold as zero emission each year. For 2026, the ZEV target is 33% for cars and 24% for vans.
• Continue expanding charging infrastructure so motorists can charge electric vehicles at home, at work and across the public network.
• Support EV uptake through measures such as the Electric Car Grant, alongside charging infrastructure funding and other incentives.
• Support a competitive UK automotive industry as manufacturers, suppliers and consumers move towards zero-emission vehicles.
A Deeper Look:
The headline dates are only part of the story. For motorists, the practical changes are already visible in the size of the EV market, the growth of the charging network and the support available for drivers considering their next car.
As of 1 July 2026, the UK had 121,171 public electric vehicle chargers, equivalent to 174.9 public chargers per 100,000 people. That gives drivers a significantly larger public charging network than when the original article was written. Home charging support has also changed. From 1 April 2026, eligible households and landlords can access grants of up to £500 per chargepoint socket, with the schemes extended until 31 March 2027.
The government has also introduced the Electric Car Grant for eligible new electric cars costing £37,000 or less. Depending on the vehicle’s sustainability rating, the grant can provide either £1,500 or up to £3,750 off the purchase price.
For drivers comparing charging options, our guide to how to charge an electric car covers home charging, public charge points and what to expect when making the switch.
The market itself is also changing quickly. In July 2026, the government said more than one in four new cars sold were electric, EV sales were up 45% compared with July 2025, and more than two million electric vehicles were registered on UK roads. These figures show that the move away from petrol and diesel is already well underway, rather than being something that only starts at the end of the decade.
Hybrid cars remain an important part of the transition for drivers who are not ready to go fully electric. For a current example, see our 2026 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid guide, which looks at the latest hybrid technology and everyday practicality.
What cars qualify as zero-emission vehicles, and what will happen to your existing car?
A zero-emission vehicle is one that produces no tailpipe emissions while driving. In the context of the UK’s current car policy, that means fully electric vehicles qualify as zero-emission cars. Plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids do not count as zero-emission vehicles for the ZEV target, even though they can form part of the transition between petrol or diesel and fully electric driving.
The 2030 and 2035 rules apply to the sale of new vehicles, not to vehicles that are already on the road. If you own a petrol or diesel car, you will still be able to drive it after 2030, provided it continues to meet the relevant legal, tax, insurance and roadworthiness requirements. The key change is what manufacturers and retailers can sell as new vehicles.
That means there is no requirement for motorists to scrap an existing petrol or diesel car simply because the 2030 date arrives. However, drivers may want to think ahead about running costs, future resale values, vehicle availability and the growing choice of EVs and hybrids.
There are still plenty of questions around range, charging and whether an EV is right for everyday driving. Stoneacre’s guide to common electric car myths provides a useful starting point for motorists researching the switch.
It is also worth keeping an eye on tax changes. Our latest article on electric vehicle excise duty (eVED) explains the new electric vehicle road tax arrangements due to take effect from 2028.
The direction of travel is therefore much clearer in 2026 than it was when this article was first published. The UK still has a legally binding net zero target for 2050, the sale of new purely petrol and diesel cars is due to end in 2030, and all new cars and vans are intended to be zero emission from 2035. At the same time, the charging network, government incentives and choice of electrified vehicles are continuing to develop.
For motorists, the transition does not mean there is a single right time or a single right type of car for everyone. It does mean the choice is changing quickly. Whether you are considering an electric car, a hybrid or keeping your current vehicle for longer, understanding the latest rules can help you make a more informed decision.
For more advice and the latest developments, explore Stoneacre’s Electric & Hybrid blog articles.
