ZEV Mandate Consultation Launched: Review Could Soften Electric Car
Ministers are weighing lower EV sales targets as industry pressure grows, while electric cars already made up 25% of UK sales in the first seven months.
- On Friday, Britain launched a review of its zero-emission vehicle mandate, consulting on alternative pathways for electric vehicle sales targets. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, "It's right we keep targets under review to ensure they're practical and back British industry."
- The Labour government inherited the ZEV policy from the Conservative Party in 2024, but motor industry figures now argue that meeting current targets is costly and consumer demand for electric vehicles remains insufficient despite manufacturer discounts.
- Under current policy, EV sales must reach 33% in 2026 and 80% by 2030, with a complete petrol ban by 2035. The government is consulting on four alternatives, including three that would retain the 2035 endpoint but cut the 2030 target to 50%.
- Industry lobby group SMMT welcomed the review, with boss Hawes calling it "a timely opportunity to adjust the transition." Environmental groups disagreed, with the Green Alliance warning the move would "lock in avoidable emissions."
- Battery EVs accounted for 27.4% of new registrations in July, according to industry body New AutoMotive. The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit calculated that cutting the 2030 target to 50% would mean 2.6 million fewer electric cars on roads by 2035.
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The Independent
The Independent (US)Government could slash EV sales targets as zero emissions mandate comes under review
Car makers want more breathing room from ZEV mandate, but electric car charging firms warn a policy wobble could slow Britain’s switch to electric cars.
Government launches review of EV sales targets as ZEV mandate consultation opens
The UK government has launched a consultation on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, seeking industry and public views on the pathway to ending sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and ensuring all new cars and vans are fully zero-emission by 2035. The review, announced today (14th August), invites feedback from vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, charge point operators, dealers, consumers, and communities. Submissions are open until 2…
ZEV mandate consultation launched: review could soften electric car
Review will look at softening EV sales targets from 2027-2035 as industry argues they aren't achievable The UK government has launched a review that will consider whether to soften the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets for electric car sales from 2027 to 2035. It will look to consult with car makers, the wider industry and other stakeholders to reduce the proportion of EV sales that brands need to make between 2027 and 2035, at which p…
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