The Government’s official climate adviser is warning the 2030 ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles may be too soon.

The Telegraph newspaper reports Chris Stark, the chief executive of the climate change committee, told MPs that “we have not seen yet the move to a cheap electric car”.

He said his committee had suggested 2032 was a more appropriate date, but Boris Johnson opted for 2030 during his time as prime minister.

The Telegraph added Mr Stark suggested he would need to see a clearer plan to build an industry that could mass-produce cheap battery-operated vehicles for UK drivers before being happier that the 2030 target “will work for the country”.

More than 40 Tory MP and peers called for the deadline to be pushed back.

Meanwhile, the newspaper also reports fears Chinese electric cars imported into Britain represent a security risk, because they could be remotely stopped.

A report by Professor Jim Saker, president of the Institute of the Motor Industry, is due to warn there is “no way” of stopping Chinese cars coming under remote control.

He said: “The car manufacturer may be in Shanghai and could stop 100,000 to 300,000 cars across Europe thus paralysing a country.”

(Picture – Yay Images)