Why ban the sale of petrol, diesel and non plug-in hybrid vehicles?
Today’s announcement is a landmark moment for the UK, setting a clear, ambitious and achievable date which will fast-track the electric vehicle revolution and clean up the air of our cities!
Why is this so important?
In a recent BEIS report, the UK transport industry has only reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by around 5% since 1990 levels*, whereas the UK Energy supply has achieved over 60% reduction in the same emissions since 1990*. In addition, outdoor air pollution (where cars is considered the major contributor) causes an estimated 40,000 premature deaths annually, and costs the NHS a huge £20bn every year. On top of this, a small rise in long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an 11% increase in COVID deaths. Now is the time to act to start reducing these figures rather than adding to them.
Why ban the sale of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles?
There are now great alternative cars that enable us to tackle these issues - that are fun to drive, economical and critical for the government to meet their commitments to their net zero targets. In addition, at the end of the first lockdown we saw an additional 1 million cars on the road, and with more people driving to work, to see family and holiday in the UK.
Other countries have stepped up their commitment, backed by mandates and incentives, and it’s critical that we also signal to the market and our drivers that we are a country that wants clean, green cars - to ensure we don’t become a dumping ground for dirty diesels and petrols.
The ban on the sale of ICE vehicles plays a significant role in reaching these targets. Taking even a percentage of these off the road saw an up to 60% decrease in NO2 during lockdown, saving an estimated 40% reduction in the average NO2 pollution and a 10%reduction in the average level of particulate matter pollution in just 30 days across Europe.
Is this going to help or hinder the economy?
The move to electric driving is part of a wider plan set out in the Environment Bill to move to greener energy for the UK. This opens up an entire new sector for jobs, with up to 700,000 new jobs to be created in green tech by 2030. Not only this, but we will be reducing our reliance on oversea fuel, and increasing the use of our own natural resources locally. These are all hugely positive for the UK economy as we build back better.
But aren’t electric vehicles expensive?
EVs are currently marginally more expensive than ICE vehicles if you compare like for like upfront, however throughout the time you own or lease your EV you will see a lower total cost of ownership. EV drivers benefit from:
- An up to 90% fuel saving
- No road tax cost (during the first year)
- No congestion or ULEZ charges (when registered with the local authority)
- An up to 50% maintenance saving
- £2,500 plug in car grant**
- £350 OLEV charger grant**
- Reduced Benefit in Kind rates
0g/km CO2 tailpipe emissions
We are also seeing customers save 30-40% on their monthly car costs, even over £10,000 over 3 years, by getting their new EV through a Salary Sacrifice Scheme, where any increase in upfront cost is more than offset by the saving, with very low company car tax (Benefit in Kind tax).
What can I do now? There are a lot of ways you can beat the ban, from checking out our 100% electric Salary Sacrifice Scheme for your business, to joining free workshops to see what making the switch really means for you.
We here at Octopus Electric Vehicles are here for you at every stage of your journey, and helping build a greener fairer future for all. We are committed to our customers, giving them free, impartial advice on the next steps in their electric journey, or discuss how we can work together to make a more sustainable society.
*provisional levels
**at the discretion of the Department for Transport and Office of Low Emission Vehicles, subject to change and eligibility. Credit available subject to circumstances. Terms and conditions apply.
