Two-thirds of motorists against 2030 ban of petrol and diesel cars

Two thirds of UK motorists are against the proposed ban on selling petrol and diesel cars after 2030, a study by iCompario has revealed.

Despite plans to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars at the end of this decade, a majority have said that they disagree with the decision and believe that they should still be allowed to buy beyond 2030.

The study, carried out by fuel card comparison website iCompario, highlighted that more than eight-in-10 over 55s feel they can’t afford to switch whilst affordability is also a concern for 83% of motorists in Wales and 80% in Scotland.

However, 43% of 18–24-year-olds said they are confident of having the cash necessary to make the switch.

With the cost-of-living crisis gripping the UK, 75% of people said they cannot afford to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) by the deadline.

Kerry Fawcett, digital director at iCompario, said: “It can perhaps be unsurprising that with the current cost of living crisis, so many are worried about being able to make the switch to EVs. It’s important to continue to look at ways to make EVs affordable for homes and businesses and accelerate efforts to provide information to people ahead of 2030.

“Whilst it’s incumbent on us all to work towards building an eco-friendlier future, our findings are significant in showing that there is still work to be done in order to meet government targets.”

The rising price of fuel and the cost-of-living crisis have been among the biggest drivers behind the move to EV over the past 12 months, according to automotive experts.

Automotive retailers should exploit all areas of EV driving now to create new revenue streams as vehicle ownership expands, Alan McCleave, director of UK and Ireland at Wallbox, which provides electric charging and energy management systems, will tell visitors to AM Live 2022.

iCompario said it’s been predicted that as the ban comes into effect, the value of petrol and diesel vehicles will decline and bring increased affordability.