Hybrids Expected To Remain On Sale Until 2035 As Labour Cools Off On Outright New Petrol Car Ban

Labour is expected to allow hybrid vehicles to remain on sale until 2035, softening its earlier position on banning new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The shift reflects a broader effort to make the transition to zero‑emission vehicles more manageable for both consumers and the automotive industry.

Hybrids expected to remain on sale until 2035

The government still intends to accelerate electric vehicle adoption, targeting 80% of new car sales by 2030 and 100% by 2035. Extending the availability of hybrids is seen as a way to balance environmental goals with practical considerations such as affordability, charging access, and manufacturing readiness.

The original plan was to ban all new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030. However, the updated approach suggests that hybrids will remain available for an additional five years, giving drivers and manufacturers more flexibility.

What this means for manufacturers

Allowing hybrids to stay on sale until 2035 will have several implications:

• A longer transition period: Manufacturers gain more time to shift from combustion engines to fully electric models, reducing pressure on production and supply chains.
• Continued hybrid development: Brands may continue refining hybrid technology, improving efficiency and performance.
• Adjusted market strategies: Manufacturers will need to balance hybrid and EV production, tailoring marketing and sales approaches to evolving consumer preferences.
• Regulatory adaptation: Companies will still need to meet tightening emissions standards, which may require ongoing investment in research and development.
• More consumer choice: Drivers will have a wider range of hybrid and electric options for longer, easing the shift toward zero‑emission travel.

If you’re interested in how car features have evolved over time, you might enjoy our look at classic car features that have vanished from modern models.

What this means for drivers

Labour’s softened stance marks a notable shift in the UK’s decarbonisation journey. The long‑term goal of cleaner transport remains, but the extended timeline offers more breathing room for drivers deciding when — or whether — to move to electric.

For motorists trying to make sense of the changing landscape, staying informed is essential. Whether you’re holding onto your petrol car or considering your next step, the road ahead is being redrawn.

For more insight into how manufacturers are adapting, take a look at our report on UK car makers letting drivers down by removing key features from new models.

Looking ahead

Allowing hybrids until 2035 may help reduce emissions in the short term, but it also delays the full shift to zero‑emission vehicles. Striking the right balance will be crucial for long‑term environmental progress.

Will 2035 be the final farewell for hybrids — or could the timeline shift again?

Thinking of selling your petrol or hybrid car?

Before policies change again, it’s worth knowing what your vehicle is currently worth. Use our free online valuation tool to get an instant price today.

Alternatively, if you’re not sure yet whether or not selling your car is the right move, you can always dive into our car valuation guidance hub and have a read up on all things car selling related.