Will the UK be ready for electric vehicles in 2035? Duckhams Oils delves into the ICE-ban delay

The UK Government’s move to delay the ban on petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 drew mixed reactions. Some OEMs were frustrated, while environmental NGOs, including Transport & Environment, condemned the decision, arguing it undermines efforts for net zero emissions by 2050.

But were motorists and workshops relieved?

According to a What Car? survey of in-market car buyers, nearly two-thirds of UK drivers (60.1%) were in favour of the UK Government’s decision to push back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles to 2035. Their reasons varied from concerns over the lack of charging infrastructure to the cost of electric cars, range fears and those who simply prefer driving petrol or diesel vehicles.

Electric vehicles are generally more expensive to buy than petrol or diesel vehicles. Cheaper running costs are expected to offset these higher upfront costs. But higher insurance, the end of the vehicle excise duty exemption from April 2025 and soaring electricity costs may be narrowing the gap.

The sector is making good progress regarding workshops for electric cars, but data from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) suggests a potential shortfall of 16,000 qualified technicians by 2032. “Despite a long-held belief that EVs – with less moving parts – will be quicker to service than their ICE counterparts, in-depth analysis conducted by the IMI for our response to the MOT Consultation suggests otherwise”, explained Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry.

ICE vehicles are likely to be around for many years after 2035

Drivers and fleet operators are holding onto their vehicles than ever before. According to the latest ACEA Vehicles in Use 2023 report, passenger cars are now, on average, 12 years old in the European Union, vans 12 years, trucks 14.2 years and buses 12.7 years, a marked rise since 2018, when cars were, on average, 10.5 years old, vans 10.5 years old, and trucks and buses 11.7 years old.

Duckhams Chairman Jabir Sheth said, “Catering to the diverse and ageing vehicles on our roads, since 1899, Duckhams Oils has been offering high-performance engine oils formulated to keep engines of all ages moving. Improved reliability and the cost-of-living crisis means motorists are in no rush to switch to electric vehicles. Whilst alternatively powered vehicles are increasing their share of new car sales, petrol was still the most popular choice for new registrations in the EU in September 2023, with petrol and diesel accounting for 46.8% of all registrations. Diesel continues to dominate new truck registrations and is still the most popular choice for new van registrations. These vehicles will still be on the roads by 2035 and beyond.

Duckhams QS & QXR synthetic engine oils are formulated with modern additive technology and high-quality base oils to meet current specifications and provide advanced protection for modern passenger cars. Hypergrade Plus engine oils are formulated to meet the requirements of older vehicles and provide complete protection.

For commercial vehicles, Duckhams Diesel Gard, Diesel Gard Pro and Fleetmaster use additive technology and high-quality virgin base oils to provide complete protection for all new and old-generation vehicles. For classic cars, products like Duckhams Classic [Q] 20W-50 – the original green multigrade motor oil – are widely recommended in many original owners’ handbooks and suitable for use in older, higher mileage petrol and non-turbocharged diesel classic car engines.

Alexander Duckham founded Duckhams in 1899, and his entrepreneurial, pioneering spirit has been at the heart of the company since then.

Over 100 years ago, Duckhams developed revolutionary new process oils that controlled the build up of carbon deposits and in 1951, Duckhams was responsible for the introduction of Europe’s first multi-grade oil, an innovation which transformed lubrication technology forever.

We have always blended innovation with quality to create products that make movement frictionless. We will continue to innovate and support mechanics and motorists, whatever the future vehicle parc requirement, be that petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Any technician or vehicle owner unsure of what engine oil to use can always use our convenient online look-up tool at https://www.duckhams.com/uk/find-my-oil/?country=GBR. Simply type in the vehicle registration and find the perfect blend for each vehicle.”

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