Putting brakes on 2030 fuel ban inevitable
It is inevitable that the fuel ban will be slowed down in 2030
Slowing down the controversial ban on cars with pure petrol and diesel engines in 2030 was, as I have been arguing for years, inevitable.
This week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vindicated the Mail’s campaign by providing the required common-sense reality check.
In July 2017, then Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced the ban from 2040. In 2020, former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps brought it forward to 2035 and then to 2030.
Shake it up: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak imagined visiting Land Rover in July
So spare a thought for manufacturers who have taken on the EV challenge and achieved results despite constantly moving goalposts. Launching a new vehicle can take up to seven years and cost billions.
Although the move has divided makers, the delay offers an opportunity. Let’s first arrange affordable electric vehicles and sufficient charging points.
Great ride at BMW Golf
There was some fantastic riding at the recent BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey last weekend – and not all on the course.
While New Zealander Ryan Fox took the honors in the competition, I got the chance to test drive the large and expensive all-electric BMW iX SUV.
The BMW iX SUV is green, emission-free and emits a buzzing electric soundtrack by film composer Hans Zimmer
I was behind the wheel of the i20 iX xDrive40 Sport Edition, which cost £77,195 (rising to £78,545 with extras). It’s a beast. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is just 6.1 seconds, up to a top speed of 200 km/h with an 80 percent DC fast charge in 31 minutes.
But it’s also green, emission-free and broadcasts a thrilling electric soundtrack by film composer Hans Zimmer.
The Wentworth event is actually an exclusive BMW mini motor show with many current cars – and classics from the past, including electric – on display in the golf village.