2030 car ban

The 2030 timeline to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars has now been reinstated, having been pushed out to 2035 by the previous government.

First proposed as part of the government's clean air strategy in 2017, the ban is designed to drastically reduced vehicle emissions. It forms part of the government's ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution, delivering on the UK's pledge to be net zero on greenhouse gases by 2050.

What will happen to petrol cars after 2030?

You’ll still be able to drive your petrol car or buy a second-hand model. The ban is just on the sale of new petrol cars. Petrol will still be available after the ban comes into place, but it may become more expensive over time.

Will hybrid cars be banned in 2030?

No, cars that combine an electric motor with a combustion engine will still be allowed on roads after 2030. By 2035, however, you will no longer be able to buy a new hybrid vehicle because both cars and vans will need to be zero emissions at the tailpipe.

Can I still drive my diesel car after 2030?

Yes, you can. It’s okay to drive a used diesel car but not to buy a new one. Most manufacturers are already phasing out internal combustion engine cars and making a commitment to EV. Once the 2030 car ban is in place, when you go into a UK showroom to buy a new car your only options will be to go fully electric or choose a vehicle powered by hydrogen.

Can I still drive my classic car?

Yes. There are more than half a million classic cars registered in the UK and most of them are over 40 years old, which means they are exempt from an emissions charge. For classic cars that are not exempt, research is going into e-fuels as alternatives to petrol but these are proving expensive. The cost of converting a classic car to electric is pretty pricey too.

When should I ditch my petrol car for an electric vehicle?

If knowing you’re doing your bit to improve air quality hasn’t persuaded you to switch yet, it may come down to affordability and value. You’ll need to factor in mileage, the number of charging points, speed of charging and running costs when thinking about buying an electric vehicle.

According to the government’s 2021 Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN) in, 44% of all petrol, diesel and hybrid drivers said they were either likely or very likely to switch to an all-electric vehicle in the next ten years.

There's positive news about charging accessibility across the country, with the government promising to make it easier and quicker for local councils to install new charging points.

Petrol or electric – which is better value?

As the 2030 deadline approaches, the value of electric cars may be more stable than their petrol counterparts. However, with petrol cars having a lifespan of around 14 years, a car bought in 2030 could be on the road until at least 2044.

There are likely to be many more secondhand petrol cars and vans on the market by 2035 though, which may drive their value down. It’s worth keeping an eye on the used electric car market when making cost comparisons too.

Why should I buy an electric car?

There are several advantages such as no road tax or low-emission zone (ULEZ) charges to pay and maintaining your EV should be cheaper as well with fewer parts to service. Access to charge points is getting easier with installation grants available for home charging points.

Running out of charge while driving is still a concern among would-be EV adopters. Having Saga’s electric car insurance means you don’t need to worry about range anxiety because you’re covered for a battery recharge if you run out of juice on the road.

We will also cover battery replacement as a result of accident or fire, trip liability and cover for accidental damage, theft or fire to your cables and charging equipment.