UK petrol ban countdown 2035
The UK government has confirmed that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will end on 1 January 2035. This live countdown shows exactly how much time remains — in years, months, days, and seconds.
What is the UK petrol ban and when does it start?
The UK government confirmed in 2022 that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 1 January 2035. This applies to all new cars sold by manufacturers and dealers — it does not affect used car sales, and existing petrol and diesel vehicles can continue to be driven indefinitely.
Timeline of the UK petrol ban
Will the ban be delayed again?
The 2035 date was itself a delay from the original 2030 ban announced in 2020. While further delays remain possible, the ZEV mandate — which legally requires manufacturers to hit increasing EV sales targets — makes the 2035 date increasingly locked in regardless of political changes. Manufacturers are already planning production around it.
What happens to my petrol car after 2035?
Nothing changes for existing vehicles. You can continue to drive, insure, and sell your petrol or diesel car after 2035. The ban applies only to the sale of new vehicles by manufacturers and dealers. The used car market will continue to operate normally, and petrol stations are not required to close.
Frequently asked questions
When is the UK petrol car ban?
The sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK will be banned from 1 January 2035. This was confirmed by the UK government and applies to all new cars sold by manufacturers and dealers. The ban does not affect the sale of used petrol and diesel cars, which may continue to be bought and sold after 2035.
Does the 2035 ban affect hybrid cars?
Standard petrol-electric hybrids (non-plug-in) will be banned alongside petrol and diesel cars in 2035. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with significant zero-emission range may be permitted under certain conditions — the government is still consulting on exact rules. Pure battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are fully permitted.
Will petrol stations close after 2035?
No — petrol stations are not required to close after 2035. Existing petrol and diesel vehicles will continue to need fuel, and the used car market will still include petrol vehicles for many years after the ban. However, many forecourts are already adding EV charging points and are expected to gradually transition over the following decade.
Can I still buy a petrol car after 2035?
You will be able to buy used petrol cars after 2035 — the ban applies only to new vehicle sales. A petrol car manufactured before 2035 can legally be bought and sold second-hand indefinitely. However, the pool of used petrol cars will gradually shrink as older vehicles reach the end of their useful life.
How many EVs are sold in the UK now?
Battery electric vehicles accounted for around 20–25% of new car sales in the UK in 2025, up from under 5% in 2020. The ZEV mandate legally requires this to reach 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2035, with manufacturers facing financial penalties for missing annual targets.
Should I switch to an EV before 2035?
For most drivers, switching to an EV before 2035 makes financial sense — particularly if you can charge at home. The fuel cost saving of £1,000–£1,600 per year on a smart tariff typically offsets the higher purchase price within 3–5 years. Use our EV vs petrol cost calculator to see your personal figures.