The ban on hybrid cars UK – what is it and when?

UK set to ban the sale of hybrid cars

(Updated February 2023)

In 2020, the UK government pledge to help tackle the rate of climate change. They had originally put in place a combustion engine-powered vehicle ban in 2040 but the petrol and diesel ban has now been brought forward to 2030 in a bid to push drivers towards more eco-friendly vehicles. This ban sees the manufacture and sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles stopped. Drivers can buy and sell used cars after this ban but the government hope that drivers will favour cleaner vehicles instead. Hybrid cars use a combination of petrol and diesel engines with an assisted electric motor, so what does this ban mean for hybrid car drivers?

What is the hybrid car ban UK?

The ban on hybrid cars UK is an important decision implemented by the government. This ban sees the sale of hybrid cars being stopped in the UK in 2035. This is the ban that is currently in place as of the time of writing (2022) but if levels of pollution don’t come down as expected, we may see this ban come forward. Currently, the 2035 hybrid car ban means that you won’t be able to buy a new vehicle but used hybrid cars will still be available after the deadline. Hybrid cars are a great way to help reduce your carbon footprint before adopting a zero-emissions lifestyle by getting an electric car. 

Why is the UK hybrid car ban coming in 2035?

There are 3 types of hybrid cars you can choose from but all models include both a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor. More commonly, a petrol engine is used and depending on which type of hybrid you go for, the electric motor can either be used simultaneously or independently of the engine. Models such as full hybrids or mild hybrids tend to have small batteries and are charged through regenerative braking, meaning they still rely heavily on fuel. For drivers who travel many miles a day, it can be more beneficial to get a fuel-efficient car instead. PHEVs or Plug-in hybrids can charge their electric batteries by plugging the vehicle in just like a full EV. However, they are usually best suited to city driving or short trips as they have a limited electric range. 

When is the ban coming?

At the moment, the hybrid car ban is coming in 2035. As quickly mentioned above, this could change, depending on how the government’s road plan progresses. As it’s not as straightforward as choosing a petrol or diesel car and instead there are a number of hybrid models available, there will be more guidance announced on which hybrid models will be banned. It’s expected that the introduction of the 2030 petrol and diesel ban will also come with new rules around hybrid vehicles. 

Is it worth buying a hybrid car now?

Don’t let the recent news put you off though, the 2035 hybrid ban is still over 12 years away and there are many benefits to getting a hybrid car now. In many ways, it could be cheaper to get a greener vehicle before demand increases in the coming years. Many electric and hybrid cars can have a higher purchase price when compared to buying a petrol or diesel car. This is due to the more modern technology used but if you were to get one you could spread the cost with hybrid and EV finance even if you have bad credit! With more drivers start adopting emission-free vehicles as the ban approaches, it could get more expensive to be a fuel-powered vehicle driver too. Hybrid cars have also already been around for a number of years now, so there’s lots of choice on the second-hand car finance market too.