Petrol and Diesel Cars Banned by 2030: RAC Warns of Massive EV Shake-Up
The Government has slammed the brakes on new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030. RAC’s head of policy, Nicholas Lyes, says the motor industry faces a colossal challenge.
Car Makers and Charging Network Under Pressure
“Factories built for petrol engines must switch gears to churn out electric vehicles (EVs) at scale,” Lyes explains. “Meanwhile, the UK’s charging network must expand massively to keep up with the EV surge.”
He points out that switching to electric isn’t as simple as plugging in a kettle. “Charging an EV isn’t like a petrol stop that takes minutes. Drivers face a steep learning curve with different chargers, plugs, and charging speeds.”
EV Hurdles: Home Charging, Range Anxiety and Gearboxes
Not everyone has the luxury of charging at home, especially those without off-street parking. “This means planning trips carefully, as recharging is nowhere near as quick as filling up at the pump,” warns Lyes.
He admits early EV users have adapted well, but for many, the switch will feel tricky and inconvenient. The end of the beloved manual gearbox looms too, as EVs typically have automatic transmissions.
Cost Still Biggest Barrier to Electric Car Take-Up
Lyes highlights the elephant in the room: price. “EVs have a high upfront cost compared to petrol and diesel. We hope this Government move will drive prices down, speeding up EV adoption.”
More affordable EVs will hit the second-hand market sooner, where most Brits actually buy their cars.
