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The UK government is poised to reconsider and potentially lower its target for the proportion of new cars sold that must be electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, the mandate requires that 80% of all new cars sold by 2030 should be EVs. However, pressure from automakers and trade unions, who have expressed concerns regarding the financial burden and potential job losses tied to this goal, has pushed the government to review this target.
Environmental groups warn that any reduction in the target could jeopardize the UK’s broader ambitions for electrification and climate change mitigation. The government plans to launch a consultation process to determine the appropriate level for the 2030 EV sales target, with possible new targets ranging between 50% and 70%. This decision is expected to take several months to finalize.
The policy framework around EV sales has evolved over time. The current approach includes the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) mandate, which sets incremental yearly targets increasing up to the 2030 goal. For example, 28% of new car sales must be EVs by 2025 and 33% by 2026. Labour has committed to maintaining the ban on petrol and diesel sales beginning in 2030, while the Conservative government is conducting a policy review, originally scheduled for early next year but now anticipated sooner due to industry requests.
Discussions between Downing Street and the car industry about the potential target revision are expected this week. Under the ZEV mandate, manufacturers face penalties of £15,000 for each vehicle short of their target, although they can offset this by purchasing credits from manufacturers exceeding their quotas. Notably, this penalty structure is not under review. Concerns remain over consumer hesitation to buy EVs, often attributed to “range anxiety” and inadequate charging infrastructure. Industry representatives warn that discounts used to meet mandates have cost the sector billions, risking investments and jobs if targets remain unchanged. On the other hand, some experts argue that weakening the mandate could slow development of charging networks, signaling reduced government commitment and risking private investment in infrastructure
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