The 7 best models which are now exempt from the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars
April 07, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that all hybrid cars can continue to be sold beyond 2030. Here are seven great cars which are now exempt from the 2030 EV mandate.
The UK government has officially relaxed the 2030 ban on the sale of new internal combustion-engined cars. While pure petrol and diesel models will still be outlawed, all hybrid cars can continue to be sold until 2035, including self-charging and plug-in hybrids.
There is also an exemption for low-volume luxury brands like Aston Martin and McLaren. This change in policy has been brought in to protect UK businesses from the impact of Donald Trump’s new trade tariffs.
What this means for you is there are now loads of petrol and diesel-powered cars which you can continue to buy for the next decade, and we’ve picked seven of our favourites. Keep in mind though that a lot can change in five years, and some of these cars may be updated or replaced by 2030.
The best new cars which are now exempt from the 2030 EV mandate are:
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Skoda Superb Estate iV
- BMW X5
- Mercedes E-Class Estate
- Dacia Duster
- Aston Martin Vantage
1. Toyota Yaris Cross
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the perfect hybrid SUV for city drivers who also need decent practicality. It’ll easily return over 60mpg, you get loads of standard equipment and it’s super-easy to slot into tight gaps thanks to the excellent visibility. The cabin may not be as exciting as a Peugeot 2008’s, but the Yaris Cross has a more spacious interior than that car.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is simply the best SUV you can buy right now, which is why it was crowned Carwow Car Of The Year for 2025. It’s hugely practical, lovely to drive and the interior is a great place to spend time. It’s also available with a plug-in hybrid system which will do around 30 miles on electric power alone. A Skoda Kodiaq has a slightly bigger boot, but that’s splitting hairs really.
3. Skoda Superb Estate iV
SUVs aren’t the be-all and end-all of practical family transport. The humble estate car is still a great option. The Skoda Superb estate has enough passenger and boot space to take on everything you and the kids can throw at it, and it’s supremely comfortable to drive as well. Go for the plug-in hybrid and you’ll get up to a whopping 84 miles of pure-electric range, although this version does get a slightly smaller boot than the petrol and diesel options thanks to the added electrical gubbins under the floor.
4. BMW X5
Looking for a family-friendly SUV with bags of curb appeal? Look no further than the BMW X5. It has a beautifully-made and stylish interior, plenty of interior space and it’s great fun to drive. The plug-in hybrid is the only version which will be exempt from the 2030 ban, but it’s powerful and economical. Just beware that the X5 gets pretty expensive when you start ticking the options list.
5. Mercedes E-Class Estate
The Mercedes E-Class Estate offers a unique engine option: a diesel plug-in hybrid. This is pretty much unheard of anywhere else, but it offers the best of both worlds. It’ll do 68 miles on electric power alone, and when the battery runs out you have an economical diesel engine which will top 60mpg on a motorway run. It’s a pretty expensive car to buy, but it’s supremely comfortable and has a huge boot.
6. Dacia Duster
If value for money is important to you, then look no further than the Dacia Duster. Even when equipped with the self-charging hybrid engine it’ll set you back less than £25,000, and for that you’re getting a spacious and well-equipped SUV with rugged styling. It may feel a bit cheap on the inside, but this is easy to forgive at this price.
7. Aston Martin Vantage
Low-volume luxury car brands will also be exempt from the 2030 petrol and diesel ban, so you could still be able to buy the V8-powered Aston Martin Vantage beyond this date. The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine puts out 510hp and emits an epic noise, but a Porsche 911 feels more focussed when driving on track.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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