Updated ZEV mandate

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【Summary】The UK government has updated its ZEV mandate, which requires a certain percentage of vehicles sold to be zero-emission. The 2024 targets remain unchanged, but the government has softened other targets due to the delay in the phase-out of petrol and diesel cars. By 2030, 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans must be electric, increasing to 100% by 2035. Some criticize the government for undermining businesses' enthusiasm with the delay and lower targets for vans.

FutureCar Staff Oct 01, 2023 9:23 AM PT

The UK government has recently made updates to its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This mandate sets out the requirements for vehicle manufacturers in terms of the percentage of zero-emission cars and vans they must sell starting from next year. The percentage is set to increase progressively over the years.

While the 2024 requirement for at least 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans to be zero-emission remains unchanged, the government has made some adjustments to other targets. This comes after the announcement of a delay in the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035. Under the new ZEV mandate, manufacturers will need to ensure that by 2030, 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans are electric. These proportions will then increase gradually until reaching 100% by 2035.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper expressed that the updated mandate provides manufacturers with certainty, offers more options for drivers, and contributes to the growth of the economy by creating skilled jobs.

However, Dominic Phinn, senior policy manager at the Climate Group, has raised concerns about the government's approach. He believes that while it is positive to see the planned mandate for passenger cars, with 80% of sales being fully electric by 2030, the targets for vans have been lowered. Phinn also criticizes the decision to delay the phase-out date for petrol and diesel cars, as it undermines businesses' ability to invest confidently in electric vehicles. He argues that the government needs to fulfill its commitments and provide businesses with the necessary support to drive the transition to electric vehicles, which is crucial for achieving net zero emissions by 2050.