The UK Government is reportedly preparing to ease its electric vehicle (EV) sales targets, with ministers expected to reconsider rules requiring 80 per cent of new cars sold in the country to be electric by 2030.
The potential changes come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to attend a global climate summit in Turkey this week, where the UK is expected to maintain its commitment to international climate action.
Industry groups have repeatedly called for the existing restrictions to be relaxed, arguing that the targets are too demanding and that manufacturers need urgent relief.
Louise Haigh to Lead Cabinet Discussions
Louise Haigh, described as the Prime Minister’s de facto deputy, is expected to chair a Cabinet committee meeting this week to consider the future of the electric vehicle requirements.
Burnham has recused himself from the decision-making process because of his wife’s previous professional involvement with the electric vehicle industry.
However, it remains uncertain whether ministers will announce any changes before the Prime Minister travels to Turkey for the COP climate summit.
Government Faces Pressure Over Net Zero Commitments
The anticipated review comes as Burnham seeks to balance growing domestic concerns about the UK’s Net Zero policies with his position on the international stage.
While the Government appears increasingly willing to reconsider some of its domestic climate policies, the Prime Minister is expected to maintain that Britain remains committed to leading global efforts to tackle climate change.
How the Existing Electric Vehicle Mandate Works
The Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) mandate was introduced under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as part of efforts to gradually eliminate sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles.
The policy establishes annual targets for the proportion of new cars sold in the UK that must be electric.
Under the existing requirements, electric vehicles must account for 28 per cent of new car sales in 2025, increasing to 33 per cent in 2026 before reaching 80 per cent by 2030.
The current timetable also requires sales of new vehicles powered exclusively by petrol or diesel to end in 2030.
Hybrid vehicles are scheduled to follow in 2035.
Automotive Industry Warns of Investment Risks
Automotive industry representatives have raised concerns about the financial and commercial implications of the existing targets.
Companies have warned that the restrictions could discourage investment in the UK, with manufacturers facing increasing pressure to offer substantial financial incentives to persuade consumers to purchase electric vehicles.
The industry has also highlighted the higher purchase prices of electric cars compared with conventional petrol and diesel models, arguing that manufacturers are having to spend heavily to meet government requirements.
EU Also Revises Its Electric Vehicle Plans
The UK’s expected review follows a similar policy shift in the European Union, which has abandoned its proposed plan to prohibit sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
The EU decision came after pressure from major automotive manufacturing countries, including Germany, whose car industry had raised concerns about the proposed restrictions.
The developments have intensified attention on the UK’s own electric vehicle targets as ministers prepare to consider whether the existing timetable should be revised.
