London - Hybrid cars that are unable to travel at least 80 kilometres on pure electric power may be banned from Britain by 2040.
The Britiish government announced in 2017 that it would ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040, but the impact on hybrids was unclear.
On Sunday night, however,
reported that only cars with a zero-emissions range of at least 80km may escape the ban, saying the measure would be included in the government’s Road To Zero Strategy.
Some 99 percent of new cars available now would be outlawed if such a rule were introduced. But a department for transport spokesman denied the reports, saying: "It is categorically untrue that the Government is planning to ban the sale of hybrid cars by 2040."
He said the strategy document, which will be published by the environment, business and transport departments, is yet to be finalised.
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders head Mike Hawes said: "Unrealistic targets and misleading messaging on bans will only confuse consumers and wreak havoc on the new car market."