Nissan's Electric Transition in Britain by 2030

author: FutureCar Staff    

Nissan has announced its commitment to transitioning to all-electric vehicles by 2030, despite the UK government's decision to delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars until 2035. The company's CEO, Makoto Uchida, stated that there is no turning back now and that Nissan believes it is the right thing to do for their business, customers, and the planet.

This controversial move by the government has received criticism from environmentalists, businesses, international allies, and some Tory MPs. Many car manufacturers have been working towards transitioning to electric vehicles by 2030, and the decision to push back the ban has raised concerns.

Nissan, a major employer in the UK with 7,000 staff, unveiled its latest battery-powered car design in London. Mr. Uchida emphasized that more than a million customers have already embraced Nissan's electric vehicles and that the company is committed to the transition.

Car manufacturers, including Ford UK, have expressed concerns about the government's decision to delay the ban. Ford UK chairman, Lisa Brankin, stated that the relaxation of the 2030 deadline would undermine ambition, commitment, and consistency, and could threaten future investment in the UK.

The ban on new petrol and diesel car sales was initially announced by Boris Johnson in November 2020, and the government previously described the date as "immovable." However, Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, reversed the decision, citing unacceptable costs on ordinary people and opting for a more pragmatic approach.

Despite the delay, the government has provided funding to support the production of electric vehicles. For example, Mini, owned by BMW, reportedly received a £75m taxpayer subsidy to convert its factory in Oxford to all-electric by 2030. Jaguar Land Rover also received £500m in government funding to build an electric vehicle factory worth £4 million.

FutureCar Staff