59% Will Keep Driving Petrol Cars, So Can Sustainable Fuels Save Us?
In the UK, we’ve all heard about the Government’s plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. It was originally supposed to happen by 2030, but in 2023, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pushed it back five years. Of course, Labour has said they’d reverse that if they get into power, but let’s be honest – whether it’s 2030 or 2035, will it actually happen?
According to a new survey by SUSTAIN, over half of British motorists don’t think so. In fact, many drivers believe it’s time we looked beyond just electric vehicles (EVs) as the solution for greener motoring. Are they right? Let’s explore why 59% of drivers are planning to keep their petrol cars running as long as possible – and what they want instead.
The Reality of the 2035 Ban: Will It Happen?
The UK Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate – officially known as the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme (VETS) – sets out the timeline for car manufacturers. Essentially, it forces them to sell an increasing percentage of electric vehicles every year, or face fines. This year, manufacturers were supposed to hit 22% EV sales, but according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), overall the market is only on track for around 18.5%.
By 2030, manufacturers will need to sell 80% EVs, with the remaining 20% being hybrids – probably plug-ins. By 2035, that figure jumps to 100%, meaning no more new petrol or diesel cars sold in the UK. But with the current EV uptake, is that even realistic?
What Do Drivers Think?
The survey of over 2,000 Brits found that 59% of petrol and diesel car owners plan to keep their vehicles running as long as possible. In fact, 27% of Brits are planning to buy another ICE car just before the ban kicks in, hoping to keep it on the road for at least another decade. Why?
Well, many drivers feel that scrapping a perfectly good car is more harmful to the environment than continuing to drive it. Plus, some people believe EVs just don’t suit their needs. Whether it’s concerns over range, charging infrastructure, or the higher purchase price, it’s clear that not everyone is ready to switch to electric.
The Call for Broader Solutions
Interestingly, the survey also revealed that 54% of respondents want more information about alternatives to EVs. They want to know about sustainable fuels, biofuels, and other green options that could work alongside EVs. Yet, awareness is still low, with over a third of people admitting they’ve never even heard of sustainable fuels.
There’s also concern about how the government measures environmental impact. Forty-five percent say current policies are flawed because they don’t account for the full life cycle of green alternatives. For example, EVs might not produce tailpipe emissions, but what about the carbon produced when manufacturing their batteries or generating electricity?
To be fair, the UK has made strides in reducing fossil fuel use for energy. At the moment, about 33.7% of our energy comes from gas, while 38% is from renewables, mostly wind power. Still, the question remains: are EVs really the only solution?
Are Sustainable Fuels the Answer?
David Richardson from SUSTAIN certainly thinks so. He points out that whether we meet the 2035 deadline or not, there will be ICE vehicles on the road for years to come. The problem isn’t the cars themselves, it’s the fossil fuel we’re putting into them. So, why not focus on developing alternatives?
Sustainable fuels are already here and compatible with existing petrol cars. According to Richardson, these fuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 80% compared to fossil fuels. And there’s demand – 54% of those surveyed said they’d happily use sustainable fuels if they were available.
But here’s the sticking point: sustainable fuels, e-fuels, and biofuels are currently produced in small quantities, making them expensive and energy-intensive. However, as with any new technology, economies of scale could help reduce costs and increase production over time.
Who is SUSTAIN?
SUSTAIN, created by bespoke fuel specialist Coryton, produces second-generation biofuel from agricultural waste. They’re not using crops that could otherwise be consumed; instead, they’re making fuel from by-products like straw. This recycling process uses carbon already in the atmosphere, rather than adding more from fossil fuels. It’s a clever way of making greener fuel for the cars we already drive.
SUSTAIN’s biofuel blends have already powered world-record speedboats, achieved sustainable driving milestones, and supported eco-friendly events like CarFest, Goodwood Revival, and the British Motor Show.
The Future of Motoring
Of course, some will argue that biofuels, e-fuels, and other alternatives are impractical right now. They’re expensive, not widely available, and energy-intensive to produce. But the same could have been said for EVs a decade ago, and look how far we’ve come.
Whatever the solution, one thing is clear: petrol cars aren’t disappearing overnight. If sustainable fuels can help reduce their environmental impact while we transition to greener technology, surely that’s worth considering?
The road to sustainability doesn’t need to be a single lane. As we look towards 2035, it’s time to embrace every solution we’ve got – from EVs to biofuels and beyond.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! What do you think of sustainable fuels? Will the 2035 ban really happen, or are we just kicking the can down the road? I’d love to hear your views!
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