Carmakers Lobby UK to Revoke Petrol and Diesel Car Ban After 2035 2026

Major carmakers including BMW, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota have privately lobbied the UK government to revoke the upcoming ban on petrol and diesel cars after 2035, according to documents obtained via a freedom of information request. The joint letter, also signed by parts maker Bosch, calls for an "open technology approach" that would allow internal combustion engines, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids to remain on sale beyond the zero-emission deadline.

The 2035 ban is a cornerstone of the UK's climate strategy, with the switch to electric vehicles being the single largest contributor to cutting carbon pollution this decade. However, successive governments have weakened battery EV policies, and the current Labour administration has introduced flexibilities into the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which runs to 2030. Now, the government is considering further changes after this latest lobbying push.

Who Is Behind the Lobbying Effort?

The letter was sent to ministers in April 2025 and was obtained by The Fast Charge newsletter, which shared it with the Guardian. The carmakers argue that technologies like highly efficient internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, and combustion engines using green steel and sustainable fuels should be permitted after 2035. All these technologies still produce carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Key Automakers and Their Stance

Below is a comparison of the carmakers involved and their publicly stated positions on the 2035 ban:

Polestar UK's managing director called reversing the transition "a historic policy failure," highlighting that consumers are embracing EVs and the economic case strengthens yearly.

What the Lobbying Means for UK Climate Goals

The UK's Climate Change Committee has repeatedly emphasized that the 2035 ban is essential to meet net-zero targets. Allowing petrol and diesel cars to remain on sale would significantly slow the reduction of transport emissions, which account for a large share of the UK's carbon footprint. Campaigners have heavily criticized the lobbying, arguing it undermines decades of progress.

Key Takeaways

• Major carmakers (BMW, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Bosch) lobbied to revoke the 2035 petrol and diesel car ban.
• The government has already introduced flexibilities into EV targets and is considering further changes.
• Polestar and environmental groups oppose any reversal, citing the climate emergency.
• The debate centers on whether to allow hybrids and sustainable fuels alongside pure EVs.

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