What does the 2030 Petrol and Diesel Ban mean for your business?

What is the 2030 Petrol and Diesel Ban and how will it affect your fleet?

The countdown is on. From 2030, the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be banned in the UK.

It's all part of the government's plan to make the country net zero carbon by 2050 – and reducing the number of fossil fuel-burning vehicles on our roads is a pretty big step towards hitting that target.

2030 might seem like it's miles away, but compared to countries like Norway (who were planning to bring in their ban by 2025), we've still got a bit of breathing room to get our heads around what this all means.

So, what exactly does this mean for your business? Let's shift into gear and take a closer look.

What is the 2030 Petrol and Diesel Ban?

The 2030 ban does exactly what it says on the tin – it's an almost total ban on the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars and vans.

But here's where it gets a bit more complicated. The ban has had quite the journey to get here.

Originally announced by Boris Johnson in 2020, it was pushed back to 2035 under Rishi Sunak, only to be brought forward again to 2030 by Keir Starmer's government.

With all this political ping-pong, it's no wonder there's been confusion about when it's actually happening.

The ban is part of the government's bigger plan to hit net zero by 2050. Think of it as one piece of a much larger puzzle that includes advancing offshore wind, investing in nuclear power, and pushing green public transport.

What about hybrids?

Here's where things get a bit murky. The government is still deciding which hybrid models – if any – will be allowed beyond 2030.

What we do know for certain is that by 2035, all new cars and vans must be fully electric. So even if some hybrids get a temporary reprieve, their days are also numbered.

The goal?

The government hopes this transition will create new jobs in growing industries while cutting emissions – all without turning everyone's daily routine upside down. Whether that's achievable remains to be seen, but the wheels are certainly in motion.

How will the petrol and diesel ban affect your business?

The ban means that after 2030, any new vehicles your business leases or buys will need to be electric or potentially plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – though the government is still deciding which hybrids, if any, will make the cut.

And let's be honest – that's going to shift a few things up a gear for your fleet planning.

You'll need to get your head around which electric cars are going to work best for your business, factoring in everything from price and range, to whether your team can do everything they need on a single charge.

Then there's the charging infrastructure to think about. Will you need to install charging points at your office? What about employees who work from home? How will your drivers charge when they're out and about?

The cost factor

Electrifying your fleet isn't going to be cheap, but here's the thing – there's no getting around it. When the ban kicks in, any new fleet cars will have to be either plug-in hybrid or pure electric.

But there is some good news. The sooner you start planning, the easier it'll be to spread those costs and make the most of the government support that's already available.

Getting ahead of the curve

Many businesses are already making the switch, and for good reason. Not only does it help you avoid the last-minute scramble in 2030, but you can also take advantage of current grants and incentives while they're still on the table.

The government has been putting serious money behind this transition – and that support won't last forever.

Why choose electric leasing?

Leasing an electric fleet offers a whole host of benefits that go well beyond just ticking the compliance box:

• Lower total cost of ownership – less maintenance, cheaper running costs
• Reduced environmental impact – helping you hit those sustainability targets
• Corporate responsibility – showing customers and employees you're serious about the future
• Future-proofing – staying ahead rather than playing catch-up

The benefits of an electric salary sacrifice scheme

If you're looking for a way to ease into electrification without breaking the bank, an electric salary sacrifice scheme could be just the ticket.

It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Your employees get access to cost-effective electric cars with smaller monthly payments than they'd get privately, and you get an attractive retention tool that doesn't require huge upfront investment.

Better yet, you could see significant National Insurance savings every month.

Safety first

EVs tend to be safer than their ICE counterparts, which is good news for everyone.

Plus, you'll reduce the risks that come with grey fleet drivers – you know, when you don't have much say in what cars your team are driving around in.

Getting ahead of the game

Offering an electric car salary sacrifice scheme puts your business ahead. 

It shows you're forward-thinking, future-ready, and serious about supporting your team while hitting your sustainability goals.

Ready to make the switch?

The 2030 ban might seem like a distant deadline, but many businesses are already getting their ducks in a row.

Whether you're looking to lease a few electric cars to test the waters or you're ready to electrify your entire fleet, the key is starting sooner rather than later.

Not only will this help you spread the costs and take advantage of current incentives, but you'll also avoid the rush when everyone else is scrambling to make the switch.

At Carparison, we're here to help you navigate the transition with our range of electric car lease deals. 

You'll have a named expert from quote to keys, making the whole process as smooth as possible.