As the 2030 deadline for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars draws closer, car manufacturers are beginning to make bold decisions regarding their fuel choices.
Two of the biggest names in the industry, France’s Renault and South Korea’s Genesis, have announced their plans to phase out certain fuel types in favor of a greener future.
Renault, for instance, is moving away from plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models and instead focusing on conventional self-charging hybrids.
Meanwhile, Genesis is making a firm commitment to go fully electric by the end of 2025, discontinuing all petrol and diesel-powered models.
Renault’s Commitment to Self-Charging Hybrids
Renault has made it clear that its future lies in full hybrid vehicles, which do not require an external power source for charging.
Fabrice Cambolive, the CEO of Renault, explained that the decision to focus on self-charging hybrids rather than plug-in hybrids was a straightforward one.
He sees it as a more effective way to prepare customers for a transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
While Renault currently offers one plug-in hybrid model, the Rafale E-Tech 4×4 SUV, Cambolive has made it clear that the brand will not expand this lineup.
The Rafale model offers a unique setup with three electric motors and a 1.2-litre petrol engine, providing a combined range of 683 miles.
However, Cambolive noted that one of the challenges with traditional PHEVs is that they consume more energy when the battery is depleted, unlike the Rafale, which continues to run efficiently even without the battery charge.
Genesis Makes the Move to Full Electric by 2025
On the other side, Genesis, a luxury brand owned by Hyundai, is doubling down on its commitment to fully electric vehicles.
By the end of 2025, Genesis will no longer sell any petrol or diesel-powered cars.
Instead, the brand will offer three all-electric models in the UK: the Electrified G80 saloon, the electrified GV70 SUV, and the GV60 SUV.
Models such as the petrol-powered G70 and GV70 will only be available while current stock lasts.
This shift aligns with the brand’s desire to be a fully electrified brand by 2025, joining the growing list of manufacturers committed to reducing emissions and contributing to cleaner air.
The Role of Hybrid Cars in the UK’s Future
With the UK’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars approaching, there is growing uncertainty about the role hybrid cars will play in the country’s transition to cleaner vehicles.
The government is currently consulting on which hybrid models will be granted an exemption, potentially allowing them to remain in showrooms until 2035.
Experts suggest that plug-in hybrid models, which can run on electricity for longer periods, might be the only hybrids allowed beyond the 2030 deadline.
The government’s consultation is crucial because hybrid vehicles, including both full hybrids and plug-in hybrids, play a key role in reducing CO2 emissions.
If these cars are allowed to remain on the market, manufacturers will have an easier time meeting their emissions targets, as they help reduce reliance on petrol and diesel engines.
These vehicles can thus contribute significantly to the country’s progress toward net-zero emissions.
Zero Emission Vehicle Mandates and Future Challenges
In the UK, all car manufacturers must meet the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets.
The ZEV mandate requires that automakers sell a certain percentage of electric vehicles each year, with the quota gradually increasing until it reaches 100% by 2035.
By 2025, car manufacturers will need to sell 28% electric vehicles, or face hefty fines.
However, the role of hybrid cars could play a critical part in helping manufacturers meet these targets.
While electric vehicles are the primary focus, allowing hybrids to remain on the market until 2035 could provide some leeway, particularly in terms of reducing overall emissions.
Conclusion: A Green Future Ahead
The car industry is shifting dramatically as the deadline for the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars nears.
With manufacturers like Renault and Genesis leading the way in embracing full hybrids and electric vehicles, the future of driving looks increasingly green.
However, the role of hybrid cars in this transition remains uncertain, and much will depend on the government’s consultation regarding their future in the UK market.
As the industry adapts to these challenges, one thing is clear: the transition to zero-emission vehicles is well underway, and it’s shaping up to be a thrilling ride toward a cleaner future.
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