Cabinet split over ‘ban’ for hybrid vehicles

A CABINET split has emerged over government plans that would effectively ban most existing hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius from 2040.

Ministers are examining plans that would require all new cars to be able to travel 50 miles without producing any emissions.

Hybrid vehicles such as the Prius can only travel about 25 miles on electricity before a traditional combustion engine must be used.

Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary, is understood to be sympathetic to the proposals.

But Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, who has Toyota’s UK HQ in his constituency, has reportedly resisted the plans.

The Government set out in July 2017 its intention to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by 2040.

The latest plans under consideration would require all new cars and vans to be able to travel at least 50 miles with zero emissions, which would likely mean that vehicles would have to be reliant on clean battery technology.

However, it is thought that hybrid technology could be improved to the point at which it would meet the requirement.

The business, transport and environment departments are thought to be involved in the drafting of the plans but the exact wording is yet to be finalised.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “It is categorically untrue that Government is planning to ban the sale of hybrid cars in the UK by 2040.”

The Financial Times reported that the Prius would no longer be classified as “environmentally friendly” enough to be sold.

The policy is contained in a new document designed to clarify the Government’s approach to make the UK’S vehicles cleaner.

Mr Gove warned last year that Britain “can’t carry on” with petrol and diesel cars because of the damage that they are doing and there was “no alternative to embracing new technology”.