Britons Rally Behind Rishi Sunak’s Petrol and Diesel Car Ban Extension amid Growing Opposition to Electric Vehicles

British motorists show overwhelming support for Rishi Sunak’s decision to delay the ban on petrol and diesel cars, as a growing number of road users are turning away from electric vehicles. In a recent poll conducted by online garage experts Regit, 80 percent of the 4,000 road users surveyed expressed their support for the Prime Minister’s choice to postpone the ban. Surprisingly, a whopping 47 percent stated that they are now more likely to purchase a combustion vehicle as a result of this announcement. Additionally, 38 percent claimed that the news has decreased their likelihood of ever owning an EV. In fact, the survey revealed that 58 percent of motorists feel that they will never own an electric model.

Regit CEO and founder, Chris Green, highlighted the numerous challenges hindering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. “The cost of living crisis has ultimately left Mr Sunak with no choice but to delay the ban, as the majority of us simply cannot afford the high costs associated with switching to electric vehicles. It’s not surprising that motorists are being priced out, especially when considering the well-known issues with infrastructure. The government has unintentionally created too many barriers for mass adoption, especially since we are the only major European economy that offers no financial support for those transitioning to electric vehicles.”

According to the survey, a staggering 79 percent of respondents do not believe that the electric car infrastructure will be sufficient to meet the 2030 deadline. Additionally, 70 percent expressed concerns about the high costs of new EVs, which still remain out of reach for many individuals. Surprisingly, this delay in the ban may serve as an electoral boost for Mr Sunak, as 37 percent of those surveyed admitted that they were more likely to vote for his party after the announcement. Conversely, Labour’s decision to support a 2030 ban has been met with disapproval, as 67 percent of respondents stated that they are now less likely to back Sir Keir Starmer.

This poll highlights a significant divide between manufacturers and the public, with major brands like Ford and Volkswagen openly criticizing Mr Sunak’s decision. Volkswagen’s executives have called for a “clear and reliable regulatory framework,” while Stellantis, the parent company of popular brands such as Vauxhall and Peugeot, emphasized the government’s need to provide clarity on important legislation. Despite the controversy, Nissan remains committed to their plans of ensuring all vehicles produced in Europe are fully electric by 2030.