What will happen to petrol cars after 2035?
While 2035 may seem distant, the deadline for manufacturers to cease sales of petrol and diesel cars, shifting exclusively to electric vehicles draws, nearer. EV scepticism is still prevalent, but at The Electric Car Scheme we wanted to make it cheaper and easier for people to make the switch to electric and salary sacrifice makes this possible - it’s like the cycle-to-work scheme but for electric cars! In this post, we will be answering the question: what will happen to petrol cars after 2035? We will also consider what the future may look like and how people can make the transition as easy as possible.
When petrol or diesel engines burn fuel, they generate carbon dioxide (CO2) and several other harmful gases. The quantity of CO2 emitted by a car is measured in grams per kilometre, which is a basic indication of a car’s impact on the environment and air quality - the lower this figure, the less fuel a vehicle should use. In 2023, the average petrol car in the UK emitted approximately 164 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
In September 2023, the UK Government changed its rules about when new petrol and diesel cars can be sold. They pushed back the deadline from 2030 to 2035. This adjustment aligns the UK with the EU and other global markets, mandating that all new cars and vans must be electric by 2035. This directive forms a crucial part of the broader initiative aimed at combating climate change, not only within the UK but also on a global scale.
The infographic was published by European Parliament News and displays greenhouse gas emissions broken down by transport mode. It shows that road transportation is the greatest emitter (by 71%) with cars accounting for 60% of this.
This study, conducted in Europe in 2019, highlights the sheer volume of cars on the roads and their emissions compared to various other modes of transportation.
Why have sales of petrol and diesel cars been banned?
The ban on buying and selling new petrol and diesel cars is a central pillar of the Government’s Net Zero strategy to become neutral when it comes to harmful greenhouse gasses by 2050.
Initially, the plan was to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 and by 2035 all new cars and vans should be fully zero emission. The government also pledged to build more charge points, create innovation for new clean technologies and implement grants to help more people make the switch to electric. The government have already implemented several government grants, all focussed on charging - you can read more about these in our blog - and there are now 50,000 charging points in the UK.
In September 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the ban on pure petrol and diesel cars has been pushed back from 2030 to 2035. This decision is said to be “pragmatic, proportionate and realistic,” easing the burden on people during the cost of living crisis.
The delay to 2035 caught many by surprise and was not entirely well received. Many were initially concerned that the changes would end up costing consumers more and ultimately mean the UK is more dependent on fossil fuels.
“Our business needs three things from the government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three.”
Car manufacturers were also displeased by the news, with many of the planning product cycles years in advance and were on course to meet the targets. EV charging firms were also working to improve charging infrastructure as they expected EV sales to increase rapidly.
What will the ban on petrol and diesel look like?
You will still be able to buy and sell petrol and diesel cars on the second-hand car market after the new car ban is introduced in 2035. The car ban is only on the sale of new ICE (internal combustion engines), those already on the road will still be legal to own and drive. It is difficult to say what will happen further in the future and the government’s net zero by 2050 target means no CO2 will be produced across all sectors, so petrol and diesel will have a larger problem then. Additionally, it is thought that petrol and diesel will be more expensive and harder to access but these cars will generally get cheaper to buy.
Will hybrid car sales also be banned in 2035?
Plug-in hybrid cars will also be banned in 2035 following studies that show they are not as ‘clean’ as we once thought and emit more carbon dioxide than official measures suggest. The research found BMW’s 3 series emitted 112g of carbon dioxide per kilometre, three times its original rating of 36g and this is just one example of that. Transport & Environment, the campaign group, said the tests showed governments should focus on incentivising the purchase of fully electric cars rather than hybrids.
“Plug-in hybrids are sold as the perfect combination of a battery for all your local needs and an engine for long distances. But real-world testing shows this is a myth ”
The regulations apply equally to both petrol and diesel cars. Therefore, beyond 2035, you'll still have the choice to buy or sell used plug-in hybrid cars, but they won't be as readily available to buy as brand-new vehicles.
What will happen to classic cars after 2035?
Good news for classic car enthusiasts, the sale and use of classic cars will still be allowed. However, running and maintenance costs are likely to increase. Cars that are already rare may become even more sought-after as collector’s items, increasing their value.
Is it still worth buying a petrol car?
Purchasing a petrol or diesel car will primarily revolve around convenience. It is still easier to find somewhere to refuel than to recharge. While petrol cars offer a cheaper initial purchase compared to electric cars, the ongoing expenses of running an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle will inevitably surge with the escalating cost of oil. Russia and Saudi Arabia, major oil producers, recently cut production, showing how global oil supplies are shrinking. This means costs for those driving cars with internal combustion engines will likely rise.
The Electric Car Scheme was born from how difficult it was to lease an electric car using the Government’s tax incentive scheme. People are often limited by information, access, price and complexity which is slowing progress globally. Switching to an electric car shouldn't be expensive or difficult and we wanted to make it cheaper and easier than any other option. Electric car salary sacrifice makes this possible, allowing employees to save for an electric car as a benefit.
How does electric car salary sacrifice work?
Every company in the UK can help their employees on their journey to net zero by offering The Electric Car Scheme as an employee benefit. Salary sacrifice allows employees to save up to 60% on any electric car of their choice; they simply agree to have a portion of their pre-tax salary deducted each month to cover the cost. As an employee you choose the car you want, add on any extras and drive away saving thousands!
Save up to 60% on any electric car with salary sacrifice - because you pay before tax! The Electric Car Scheme will help you make the most of government incentives.
Why choose The Electric Car Scheme as a salary sacrifice provider?
Complete risk protection - We believe that companies and employees shouldn’t have to worry about extra fees if their electric car needs to be returned early due to unforeseen circumstances. Our Complete Risk Protection package, launched in November 2023, provides reassurance that the employer is protected from day one. This new proposition differs from other market offerings, which often feature complex terms & conditions, exclusion periods and return limits, potentially leaving employers with significant bills or headaches. You can read more about it by visiting our Complete Risk Protection page!
Best prices available - We search the EV market to find the best prices. Our access to the top leasing companies means we can access the best prices available. With our help, employees can make informed choices and feel confident they are getting the best deal possible.
Trusted 5* service - Rated “excellent - 5* stars” because we have helped thousands of customers over the past three years. We make everything as straightforward as possible and our team of experts are always on hand to support you. We support from launch, all the way along your electric car salary sacrifice journey.
What are the benefits of electric car salary sacrifice for employers?
Make your team feel rewarded - by offering this benefit, you can support their journey to Net Zero and directly reduce your company’s carbon emissions in the meantime. Employee happiness is the heart of a healthy, thriving company. Your employees will appreciate the opportunity to make a positive impact!
Launch with no cost to your company - there are no set-up or running costs to set up The Electric Car Scheme. Our fee is the equivalent of your employer’s tax savings, so you can roll the scheme out at no cost to your business. It’s a win-win!
Hit your environmental, social and governance goals - we provide extensive reporting that focuses on committed mileage, cars ordered and delivered and carbon dioxide equivalent savings. This enables you to see how much good you’re doing as a company by implementing the scheme.
What cars are available at The Electric Car Scheme?
We have hundreds of cars to choose from, all you have to do is visit our quote tool and have a browse! The quote tool shows the breakdown of your savings and how much the car will cost every month. You can also add different specifications and customise your model to make it yours. We have included examples of three very different cars, all available at The Electric Car Scheme right now!
The Fiat 500 Electric Hatchback comes with either a 23.7kWh battery and a 115-mile range or a 42kWh battery and an impressive 199-mile range. There are three driving modes, Normal, Range and Sherpa. Range uses the motor to recharge the battery when you break, boosting the range, Normal model doesn’t use regenerative braking as much. This is great as a city car - the steering is light and parking is a breeze because it is small.
The BYD Dolphin is a great hatchback, with a WLTP range of 265 miles and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 7 seconds. A spacious interior and large boot space make this car perfect for families. Our very own, Marketing Director, Gaurav recently reviewed this car and you can read about his experience in our blog.
The Porsche Taycan Saloon can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.1 seconds, and you can get it to as low as 2.6 seconds with the right trim. When developing the Taycan, Porsche’s biggest issue was with the weight - because electric car batteries can be extremely heavy. Every model comes with adjustable suspension which makes it a comfortable ride. This is a great sports car if you’re looking to get ahead of the curve and join the EV revolution!
Switching to an electric car is one of the most significant ways to make a positive change towards net zero. At The Electric Car Scheme, we want to make it cheaper and easier than any other option. Salary sacrifice makes this possible, allowing employees to save 30-60% on any electric car on any electric car by reducing their salary in exchange for an electric car as a benefit. We don’t have any supercars, but some pretty fast cars are available! Have a browse using our quote tool or learn more about how the scheme works here.
Our lease pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
