AFP board member, Lorna McAtear warned manufacturers needed to “take a look” at the number of EV sales in recent years.

She also stressed there were “too many hurdles” to get businesses ready within the next half a decade.

Lorna said: “Fleets and the manufacturers that supply them need to take a real-world look at the rate of EV adoption in light of the experience of fleets over the last few years.

“Labour have said they will restore the 2030 target on EV manufacturing. It is now clear that this is possible for cars but just not practicable for vans.

“There are too many hurdles and the products available do not meet the needs of enough businesses.”

The petrol and diesel ban will effectively prevent manufacturers from selling brand-new combustion models to consumers.

However, the ruling will not prevent second-hand petrol and diesel car sales which will still be allowed on the road even past a 2030 or 2035 cut-off date.

Recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed a concerning picture for light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales.

Data from May 2024 revealed just 6,977 battery electric models had been sold so far in 2024, down from the 7,028 sold at this stage in 2023.

Meanwhile, a whopping 133,798 models sold were diesel machines putting the EV market share at less than five percent.

Lorna added: “There is an argument for leaving the current 2035 target in place for all vehicles, with the ZEV mandates continuing, but if there is a return to 2030, it should be for cars only.”