Nissan's Plan for Full Electric Transition in Britain by 2030

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【Summary】Nissan plans to transition to all-electric vehicles in Britain by 2030, despite the UK government's delay in banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars until 2035. The move by Nissan's CEO, Makoto Uchida, follows the company's commitment to the initial deadline set by the prime minister. The decision to postpone the ban has faced criticism from environmentalists, businesses, and some Tory MPs. Nissan, a major employer in the UK, aims to make the switch to electric vehicles in Europe by 2030.

FutureCar Staff Sep 25, 2023 11:21 PM PT

Nissan's Plan for Full Electric Transition in Britain by 2030

Nissan has announced its commitment to transition to all-electric vehicles by 2030, despite the UK government's decision to push back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to 2035. Makoto Uchida, the chief executive of Nissan, stated that there is no going back now and that the company will adhere to the initial deadline set by the prime minister.

This controversial move by the government has attracted criticism from environmentalists, businesses, international allies, and some Tory MPs. Car manufacturers have been making efforts to transition to electric vehicles by 2030, and this delay in the ban has raised concerns.

Nissan, a major employer in the UK with 7,000 staff, including its main manufacturing hub in Sunderland, unveiled its latest battery-powered car design in London. Mr. Uchida emphasized that going all-electric by 2030 in Europe is the right thing to do for their business, customers, and the planet.

Downing Street has faced backlash from car manufacturers, with Ford UK chairman Lisa Brankin stating that pushing back the deadline to 2035 would threaten future investment in the UK. She emphasized the need for ambition, commitment, and consistency from the government in supporting the EV market.

The ban on new petrol and diesel car sales was initially announced by Boris Johnson in November 2020, and as recently as July, the government described the date as immovable. However, Rishi Sunak's decision to push back the ban was based on concerns about the costs imposed on ordinary people.

Despite this delay, the government has provided funding to car manufacturers to boost electric vehicle production. BMW-owned Mini reportedly received a £75m taxpayer subsidy to convert its factory in Oxford to all-electric by 2030, while Jaguar Land Rover received £500m in government funding to build an electric vehicle factory worth £4 million.