British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Wednesday that a ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars originally scheduled to take effect in 2030 would be postponed for five years on the grounds that this climate target would “Unacceptable costs” to ordinary people.
Rishi Sunak postponed a ban on the purchase of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, relaxed a ban on new installations of natural gas household stoves due to come into effect in 2035, and removed a requirement for landlords to make their homes more energy efficient requirements. He said he would continue to deliver on his pledge to reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, but in a “more pragmatic, more reasonable and more realistic” way.
To achieve the net zero target, Rishi Sunak said the government would build more wind farms and nuclear reactors, invest in new green technologies and take new measures to protect nature. Rishi Sunak believes the UK is “far ahead of any other country in the world” in transitioning to a green economy, but said progressing too quickly risks “losing the support of the British public”.
The move sparked outrage from environmental groups, opposition parties and much of Britain’s industry, but was also welcomed by some in the ruling Conservative Party.
However, as the first major economy to set a legally binding net-zero emissions target, the Prime Minister’s remarks were criticized by the automotive and energy industries.
The head of Ford Motor UK said local businesses need determination, commitment and policy consistency from the British government. Delaying the ban on the sale of fuel vehicles will harm corporate interests.
The head of Kia Motors UK said that the entire industry is disappointed with the upcoming change in policy, which may also lead to confusion in consumer choice. It is reported that Kia plans to launch 9 pure electric models in the UK in the next few years.
A spokesman for Volkswagen UK said: “We urgently need a clear and reliable regulatory framework to build market certainty and consumer confidence.” Binding infrastructure rollout targets and incentives are also needed to ensure a way forward.
In addition, industry analysts also pointed out that the capriciousness of government policies may cause the UK to lose its advantages in the fields of new energy and green transportation, including disrupting consumers’ ideas about purchasing electric vehicles and disrupting the planning of charging infrastructure operators.
However, it is noticed that Toyota expressed support for Rishi Sunak’s remarks. Toyota said delaying the lockdown would help the market and consumers adapt, and would also allow the industry to realize that all emissions-lowering technologies can play a role in the transition.
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