The UK government is set to water down its target for electric vehicle sales, with numbers ranging from 50% to 70% under consideration for the proportion of new cars that must be zero-emission by 2030. The current mandate requires 80% of all new car sales to be EVs by that date, but car makers and trade unions have spent years lobbying for a reduction, citing costs and job fears.
The government will hold a consultation on the new target, meaning a final decision could take months. The move marks the latest twist in a decade of policy flip-flops on electric cars. Boris Johnson first announced a ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2030, only for Rishi Sunak to push the date back to 2035 and introduce the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) mandate. Under that system, targets escalate each year – 28% for 2025, 33% for 2026, rising to 80% by 2030. Labour pledged in its manifesto to restore the 2030 ban, but the party is now reviewing the ZEV mandate earlier than expected after industry pressure.
“UK government to weaken 2030 EV sales target, considering 50-70% instead of 80%”
Downing Street is expected to meet with the UK car industry this week to discuss the shift, first reported by the Sunday Times. Labour previously accused the Conservatives of “moving goalposts on phase out dates”.
Companies that fail to hit the ZEV mandate face a potential fine of £12,000 per car. To meet their quotas, many manufacturers have slashed prices, costing the industry more than £10bn over the past two years, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The SMMT warned the BBC that “unless there is urgent relief of the mandate, which is still running well ahead of demand and about to ramp up, then the cost will be in jobs, investments and the viability of some businesses”.
Unite union general secretary Sharon Graham called failure to act “an act of self-harm to a sector which is a jewel in the crown of UK manufacturing”. Industry sources say drivers remain reluctant to buy EVs because of range anxiety and a lack of charging points, which has also depressed second-hand values.
Sustainability groups argue any weakening of the target will threaten the UK’s long-term electrification and climate goals. But with the consultation still to come, the final shape of the 2030 target – and the fate of Britain’s car industry – remains uncertain.