Putting brakes on 2030 fuel ban inevitable

Putting the brakes on the controversial 2030 ban on pure petrol and diesel engine cars was, as I have argued for years, inevitable.

This week Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vindicated the Mail’s campaign as he administered the required common-sense reality check. 

In July 2017 the then Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced the ban from 2040. In 2020, former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps brought it forward to 2035, then 2030.

So spare a thought for manufacturers who stepped up to the EV challenge and delivered — despite constantly moving goalposts. A new vehicle launch can take up to seven years and cost billions.

While the move has divided makers, the delay presents an opportunity. Let’s get affordable EVs and sufficient charging points sorted out first.

Great drive at BMW golf

There was some great driving at the recent BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, last weekend — and not all on the course.

While New Zealander Ryan Fox took the honours in the competition, I had the chance to test drive the large and expensive, all-electric BMW iX SUV.

The BMW iX SUV is green with zero emissions and emits a whizzy electric soundtrack by film composer Hans Zimmer

I was at the wheel of the i20 iX xDrive40 Sport Edition costing £77,195 (rising to £78,545 with extras). It’s a beast. Acceleration from rest to 62 mph is a swift 6.1 seconds up to a top speed of 124 mph with an 80 per cent DC fast-charge in 31 minutes.

But it’s also green with zero emissions and emits a whizzy electric soundtrack by film composer Hans Zimmer.

The Wentworth event is actually an exclusive BMW mini motor show with many current cars — and past classics including electric — on display in the golf ‘village’.