Earlier British ban on ICE sales expected

A British ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is expected to be brought forward five years to 2030 – and very soon.

Reports suggest United Kingdom prime minister Boris Johnson is about to move the deadline from 2035 in a speech on sustainability, the shorter time preferred by more than 50% of respondents in a survey by Power my EV UK.

The ban is expected to include all hybrids.

Most of those surveyed say the ICE ban is needed to help combat climate change.

Powermyev.co.uk, a website linking motorists with EVs and green energy providers, sought the views of about 1400 motorists – 74% saying the ban is needed for the planet’s sake, and that of future generations.

Many felt the 2035 deadline was too far away to get to the 2050 zero emissions target.

EV demand has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 2030 deadline is forecast to help create more than 30,000 new jobs and provide a 4.2 million pound boost to the UK economy.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand government has declared face coverings will be mandatory on Auckland public transport to avoid COVID community transmission from the morning of November 19 – apart from under 12s and in exceptional circumstances.