Most brand-new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from the roads from the end of the decade with only limited exceptions set to remain in place. Labour made it a manifesto promise to re-instate the original January 1,2030 date for the UK’s petrol and diesel car ban after the Conservatives pushed it back to 2035.

Back in April, the Government confirmed the ban had been brought forward meaning large manufacturers cannot sell combustion models after this date. Manufacturers across Europe are doubling down their efforts on electric car production ahead of the deadline with many brands now offering a mix of all fuel types. There is also fresh competition with the first series of Chinese electric cars now on sale in the UK for budget prices.

Hybrid cars will still be sold until 2035 (Image: Getty)

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Our plans will restore clarity for manufacturers, provide renewed confidence for charging infrastructure investors and give confidence to consumers considering making the switch.

“No new petrol or diesel cars will be sold after 2030. All new cars and vans will need to be 100% zero emission by 2035.

However, politicians did agree to some small-scale exceptions which will offer some alternatives to electric cars going forward.

Under the changes, full hybrid vehicles such as the popular Nissan Qashqai e-Power machine will be allowed until 2035.

Meanwhile, low-volume British firms such as sportscar icon Aston Martin will be exempt from the ZEV mandate targets. 

Officials stressed this would help to “preserve” some of the UK car industry’s most iconic jewels to remain for years to come.

However, the exemption only applies to any UK-based brand producing fewer than 2,500 cars a year meaning only luxury marques will benefit.

Labour’s move to water down the ZEV Mandate rules was met with optimism by the car industry with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) backing the move.

Mike Hawes, Chairman of the SMMT stressed firms were under “intense pressure” to meet the “challenging” annual sales targets.

He explained: “The government has rightly listened to industry, responded quickly to global dynamics and recognised the intense pressure manufacturers are under.

“Industry remains committed to decarbonising road transport but the ZEV Mandate targets are incredibly challenging, especially with a paucity of consumer demand and geopolitical upheaval.

“Growing EV demand to the levels needed still requires equally bold fiscal incentives, however, to give motorists full confidence to switch.”