Hybrid cars face UK ban by 2040 to cut pollution

HYBRID cars that are unable to travel at least 50 miles on electric power may be banned by 2040, it has been reported.

Last year the Government announced that it would ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040, however the impact on hybrids was unclear.

But last night Autocar reported that only cars with a zero-emissions range of at least 50 miles may escape the ban. The measure will be included in the Government’s Road To Zero Strategy, the magazine said.

Some 99 per cent of new cars available now would be outlawed if such a rule were introduced. But a Department for Transport spokesman denied the reports, saying: ‘It is categorically untrue that the Government is planning to ban the sale of hybrid cars by 2040.’

The strategy document, which will be published by the environment, business and transport departments, is yet to be finalised, the DfT said.

Mike Hawes, head of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: ‘Unrealistic targets and misleading messaging on bans will only confuse consumers and wreak havoc on the new car market.’