The government is reportedly considering extending the sale of hybrid cars until 2035.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that this potential change would delay the total ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, originally scheduled for 2030.
The revised plan could allow hybrids to be sold for an additional five years, following an initial policy that included some hybrid sales beyond the 2030 phase-out date.
A Department for Transport spokesperson told Energy Live News: “This is untrue as we have always been committed to restoring the original 2030 phase out date for the sale of new cars with pure internal combustion engines.
“The original phase out date included the provision for some hybrid vehicle sales between 2030-35.
“We know it is important to provide certainty and stability for drivers and will set out further details in due course.”
Mike Hawes, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Chief Executive, said: “Massive investment by the industry in electric vehicles has delivered tremendous choice to consumers and the compelling offers now available are helping drive record levels of uptake.
“Accelerating that uptake is tough, however, as regulation can compel supply but not demand.
“Manufacturer discounting can not continue indefinitely, so meeting industry ambitions and government regulation whilst fulfilling consumer expectations of choice will require action; fiscal incentives, a turbocharged chargepoint rollout and an industrial strategy that supports investment, economic growth and broad market decarbonisation.”
