Petrol and diesel car sale ban could come forward to 2032 - RAC reaction

Following an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live where transport secretary Grant Shapps indicated the date for ending the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles could be brought forward to 2032, RAC spokesman Simon Williams said:

“While the Government appears to be constantly moving the goalposts forward for ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, drivers should not be worried about opting for a plug in hybrid now. They are potentially the perfect stepping stone for those who want to go electric but who have concerns about range as they aren’t as expensive as a battery electric vehicle. At the moment they give drivers the best of both worlds.

“In deciding what vehicle to purchase next drivers should still consider how it will be used most frequently. If that is predominantly motorway driving, then a new cleaner-than-ever diesel is probably the right choice, but if it involves regularly driving into a town or city that will soon be implementing a Clean Air Zone then an electric, plug in hybrid or a petrol are the currently best options. However, it should be pointed out that while petrol engines aren’t as harmful to people’s health as most diesels, they generally emit more carbon dioxide and are therefore not as good for the planet.”

Note: The RAC is the first UK breakdown assistance company to introduce technology designed to assist drivers of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Find out more on the main RAC website.

Press team

Press team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
RAC warns intense summer sun will lead to even more potholes
Summer heatwaves have baked already brittle road surfaces
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Fuel prices rise by a penny in 24 hours
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Average pump prices have jumped by yet another penny in just a day. Petrol has now broken through the £1.70-a-litre barrier and stands at 170.54p – its highest since 23 August 2022 – and diesel has risen to 192.86p – its highest since 29 July 2022. Unfortunately for hard-pressed drivers, prices look set to keep on rising due to the cost of a barrel of oil consistently trading over the $100 mark.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Fuel prices hit new Iran war high
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "Fuel prices hit new Iran War highs on Monday with petrol climbing 169.68p and diesel hitting 191.68p, surpassing Sunday's petrol high of 169.52p and the diesel high of 191.54p set on 15 April. This takes the cost of filling up a 55-litre family car with unleaded to over £93 and diesel to more than £105.
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

About the RAC

The RAC is an iconic British driving services brand and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted names, providing complete peace of mind ® to over 15 million drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps motorists find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

Contact

media.rac.co.uk