The UK’s planned petrol and diesel car ban has been one of the biggest talking points in the automotive industry over the last few years. While many drivers assume petrol and diesel vehicles will disappear overnight, the reality is much less dramatic.
The legislation only affects the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. Existing petrol and diesel vehicles will still be legal to own, drive, buy and sell on the used market for many years afterwards.
If you’re considering buying a new or used car, it’s worth understanding exactly what the changes mean before making your decision. If you need help with this, check out our valuation guidance hub.
Why are new petrol and diesel cars being banned?
The UK Government introduced the ban as part of its long-term strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Road transport remains one of the UK’s largest sources of carbon emissions, so encouraging drivers to move towards electric vehicles is seen as a key part of reducing pollution and improving air quality.
Although the original deadline was set for 2030, it has since been postponed until 2035, giving motorists and manufacturers more time to transition.
Importantly, the ban only applies to new petrol and diesel cars.
It does not mean:
- Existing petrol cars become illegal.
- Existing diesel cars must be scrapped.
- Filling stations will disappear.
- You won’t be able to buy or sell used petrol or diesel vehicles.
Millions of combustion-engine vehicles are expected to remain on UK roads well beyond 2035.
What happens to hybrid cars?
Hybrid vehicles sit somewhere between traditional petrol cars and fully electric vehicles, which means the rules are slightly different.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are expected to continue playing a role during the transition, although the Government is still refining exactly which hybrid models will remain eligible after 2035.
Generally speaking:
- Mild hybrids are unlikely to qualify.
- Self-charging hybrids may also fall outside future regulations.
- Plug-in hybrids with meaningful electric-only driving capability are expected to remain available for longer.
As battery technology improves, manufacturers are increasingly investing in fully electric models instead of expanding hybrid ranges.
If you’re weighing up whether an electric vehicle is the right move, we looked into the Best SUVs for Families and explored some of the latest hybrid and electric options available.
Can I still buy a used petrol or diesel car after 2035?
Yes.
This is probably the biggest misconception surrounding the ban.
From 2035 onwards, you’ll still be able to:
- Buy used petrol cars.
- Buy used diesel cars.
- Sell your existing petrol or diesel vehicle.
- Drive your current car exactly as you do today.
The legislation only stops manufacturers selling new combustion-engine cars.
The used market is expected to remain active for many years afterwards, although demand could gradually shift towards electric vehicles as charging infrastructure improves.
What is the “Aston Martin exemption”?
During discussions around the original 2030 deadline, there was significant debate about low-volume manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Bentley and McLaren.
These manufacturers produce relatively small numbers of vehicles each year and argued that moving entirely to electric powertrains within the original timeframe would be considerably more challenging than for larger manufacturers.
As a result, the Government explored potential exemptions for specialist manufacturers producing limited numbers of vehicles.
While policies continue to evolve, most mainstream manufacturers are already investing billions into fully electric platforms regardless of any exemptions.
Electric cars generally cost less to maintain
One of the biggest advantages of owning an electric vehicle is reduced maintenance.
Unlike petrol or diesel cars, electric vehicles have significantly fewer moving parts.
That means no:
- Engine oil changes
- Timing belts
- Exhaust systems
- Spark plugs
- Clutches
- Traditional gearboxes
While tyres, brakes and suspension still require maintenance, many EV owners find servicing costs noticeably lower over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Battery replacement is often the biggest concern for buyers, but modern EV batteries are designed to last many years and are usually backed by lengthy manufacturer warranties.
If you’re still deciding whether to stick with a petrol model or make the switch, we looked into the Top Selling Cars of 2023 shows, which vehicles UK motorists continue to choose most often.
Are there financial incentives for buying an electric car?
Although government incentives have changed over recent years, there are still several financial benefits to owning an electric vehicle.
Depending on your circumstances, you could benefit from:
- Lower running costs compared to petrol or diesel cars.
- Reduced servicing and maintenance costs.
- Lower Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) for some models.
- Workplace charging schemes through employers.
- Grants or support for eligible home charging installations (where available).
Perhaps the biggest long-term saving comes from charging costs. Charging an electric vehicle at home is often significantly cheaper than filling a petrol or diesel car, particularly if you can take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.
However, it’s always worth checking the latest government guidance, as grants and incentives can change over time.
How does the 2035 ban affect my current car finance agreement?
If you’re currently financing a petrol or diesel vehicle, there’s no need to worry.
The 2035 legislation has no impact on existing finance agreements.
Whether you have:
- Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
- Hire Purchase (HP)
- Personal Contract Hire (PCH)
- Personal Loan
your agreement continues exactly as normal until the contract ends.
The only potential consideration is future resale values.
While nobody can accurately predict how the used market will look in 10 or 15 years’ time, petrol and diesel cars are still expected to remain in demand for many years after 2035. Demand may gradually reduce as electric vehicles become more common, but there is unlikely to be a sudden collapse in values.
If you’re buying a vehicle today, it’s sensible to consider both your current needs and how long you intend to keep the car.
Can I convert my petrol or diesel car into an electric vehicle?
Yes — it is technically possible.
A growing number of specialist companies now offer electric conversions, replacing a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and battery pack.
The process typically involves removing:
- The engine
- Fuel tank
- Exhaust system
- Gearbox (depending on the conversion)
These are then replaced with:
- Electric motor
- Battery pack
- Charging equipment
- Updated electrical systems
While conversions can breathe new life into classic or specialist vehicles, they are usually expensive and may not be financially worthwhile for everyday family cars.
Costs can vary considerably depending on the vehicle, battery size and complexity of the conversion.
Should you buy a petrol, diesel or electric car now?
There’s no single right answer.
The best choice depends on your driving habits, budget and access to charging.
A petrol or diesel car may still be the right option if:
- You regularly drive long motorway journeys.
- You don’t have access to home charging.
- You’re buying used and working within a tighter budget.
An electric vehicle may suit you if:
- Most of your journeys are relatively short.
- You have access to home charging.
- You want lower day-to-day running costs.
- You’re planning to keep the car for several years.
As charging infrastructure continues to improve and battery technology advances, electric vehicles are becoming a practical option for more UK drivers than ever before.
Frequently asked questions
Will petrol stations disappear after 2035?
No.
Petrol and diesel vehicles will remain on UK roads for many years, so fuel stations are expected to continue operating well beyond 2035.
Will my current petrol or diesel car become illegal?
No.
The ban only applies to the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles.
Existing vehicles can continue to be driven, maintained and sold.
Will used petrol cars lose all their value?
Unlikely.
Although demand may gradually shift towards electric vehicles over time, millions of motorists are still expected to buy used petrol and diesel cars for many years.
Vehicle condition, mileage, service history and desirability will continue to play a major role in determining resale values.
Final thoughts
The 2035 petrol and diesel car ban represents one of the biggest changes to the UK automotive industry in decades, but it doesn’t mean existing petrol and diesel vehicles will suddenly disappear.
For most motorists, there is still plenty of time to make the transition.
Whether you choose petrol, diesel, hybrid or fully electric, understanding how the legislation works can help you make a more informed buying decision and avoid unnecessary concern about the future of your current vehicle.
Value your current car with Jamjar
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