Ford UK has voiced concerns that relaxing the government’s current target to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 could undermine the country’s transition to electric vehicles (EV). The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is expected to delay some of the government policies that support the long-term plan for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Ford has argued that dropping the 2030 deadline would be a mistake and could jeopardize further investments. Lisa Brankin, the chair of Ford UK, stated that the 2030 target is crucial in accelerating Ford’s transition to a cleaner future. She emphasized the company’s need for ambition, commitment, and consistency from the UK government.
Ford has already invested £430 million ($531 million) in its UK facilities and had planned for additional investments aligned with the 2030 timeline. Brankin emphasized that the focus should be on strengthening the EV market in the short term and supporting consumers due to challenges such as underdeveloped infrastructure, potential tariffs, and high cost-of-living.
The automotive industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability goals. Ford’s stance emphasizes the need for government support and clear targets to drive the market for electric vehicles.
