The UK government is reconsidering its targets for electric vehicle (EV) sales following pressure from car manufacturers. The current plan mandates automakers to incrementally increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles they sell each year, reaching 80% by 2030. However, a consultation now considers reducing this target to 50% by the same year, with the process continuing until late October.
Implications for Climate Goals
Environmental advocacy groups argue that lowering the target compromises the UK’s climate objectives. The existing policy, known as the ZEV mandate, stipulates a gradual increase in EV sales, starting from 22% in 2024 and rising to 33% by 2026, aiming for 80% in 2030. Notably, despite potential changes to EV targets, the government intends to maintain a prohibition on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars after 2030, aligning with Labour’s promises in their election manifesto.
Industry Concerns and Adjustments
The proposed changes may allow for a higher proportion of hybrid vehicles in the UK’s total car sales. If the EV sales goal is reduced to 50%, car makers would be able to fill the remaining quota with hybrids. Alternatively, maintaining the 80% target while providing flexibility until 2034 is being considered. The timeline for ending new hybrid sales remains set for 2035.
The automotive industry has expressed concerns that current demand for electric cars does not justify the targets, and fulfilling these goals incurs significant costs. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlighted that electric cars comprised a quarter of vehicle sales in the UK during the year’s first seven months.
Government and Industry Responses
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that reviewing these targets ensures their feasibility and supports British industry. She emphasised the unchanged end goal and the importance of securing business engagement in the transition. Echoing these sentiments, Ford of Britain’s Lisa Brankin praised the government’s receptiveness, noting the need for certainty among industry stakeholders and customers. SMMT’s Mike Hawes acknowledged the review as a chance to recalibrate the transition strategy, familiar with vastly altered circumstances since the mandate’s inception.
Criticism and Environmental Concerns
Conversely, climate and EV advocates criticised the government’s position. Tanya Sinclair from Electric Vehicles UK questioned the rationale behind potentially extending the presence of polluting vehicles amid record-breaking summer temperatures. The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit predicted that a 50% target could result in 2.6 million fewer EVs by 2035. Gurjeet Grewal from Octopus Electric Vehicles warned that any dilution sends a detrimental message at a time when EVs are becoming economically attractive.
Recent spikes in petrol prices due to geopolitical tensions have heightened global interest in EVs, making the debate more pressing. The Green Alliance cautioned that weakening targets would perpetuate unnecessary emissions and destabilise investment certainty for manufacturers.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.