The UK government is consulting on potential changes to its ZEV mandate, which could lower the required percentage of electric vehicle sales by 2030.
Key facts
- •The government is consulting on reducing the 2030 zero-emission sales target from 80% to 50%.
- •The 2030 ban on new pure petrol and diesel car sales remains in effect.
- •Electric vehicles accounted for 25% of total UK car sales in the first seven months of the year.
- •The consultation period for the proposed changes is scheduled to run until late October.
- •The Climate Change Committee identifies the transition to EVs as the most effective method for cutting carbon emissions over the next decade.
The UK government has launched a review of its electric vehicle (EV) sales targets following pressure from car manufacturers. Officials are considering reducing the current 80% zero-emission sales target for 2030 to as low as 50%. The consultation process will remain open until late October.
By the numbers
Proposed Changes to ZEV Mandate
Under the current ZEV mandate, the required percentage of new car sales that must be zero-emission increases annually, starting at 22% in 2024 and reaching 80% by 2030. The proposed changes could allow manufacturers to sell more hybrid vehicles to meet the mandate, or potentially keep the 80% target while extending flexibility for automakers until 2034. Despite these potential adjustments, the government maintains that the 2030 ban on the sale of new purely petrol or diesel cars remains in place, as does the 2035 deadline for phasing out new hybrid sales.
Industry and Environmental Perspectives
Automakers and industry groups, including Ford of Britain and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), have welcomed the review, citing the need for practical targets and industry certainty. Motor industry figures have argued that consumer demand for EVs is not yet sufficient to meet current mandates and that compliance costs are high. Conversely, environmental groups and advocates have criticized the move, warning that it could undermine climate goals. The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit estimates that reducing the target to 50% could result in 2.6 million fewer electric cars on UK roads by 2035.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Business.
