Updated government mandate

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【Summary】The UK government has updated its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, requiring manufacturers to ensure that 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans are electric by 2030. The targets for vans have been lowered, and the delay in phasing out petrol and diesel cars has undermined business enthusiasm for the announcement. Businesses are calling for clarity and certainty to invest in electric vehicles.

FutureCar Staff Sep 28, 2023 11:15 PM PT

The UK government has made updates to its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This mandate sets the requirements for the percentage of electric cars and vans that vehicle manufacturers must sell starting from next year. The percentage will increase each year.

While the 2024 requirement remains unchanged, with at least 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans needing to be zero-emission, the government has softened some other targets. This comes after the announcement of a delay in the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035.

Under the updated ZEV mandate, by 2030 manufacturers will need to ensure that 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans are electric. These proportions will then increase gradually until reaching 100% in 2035.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper believes that this mandate provides certainty for manufacturers, benefits drivers by offering more options, and contributes to the growth of the economy by creating skilled jobs.

However, Dominic Phinn, senior policy manager at Climate Group, has expressed concerns. He believes that while it is positive to see the government mandating 80% of passenger car sales to be electric by 2030, it is disappointing to see the lowered targets for vans. Phinn also points out that the recent delay in the phase-out date for petrol and diesel cars undermines the confidence of businesses to invest in electric vehicles. He emphasizes the need for the government to deliver on its commitments to drive the EV transition as part of achieving net zero by 2050.