ZEV mandate receives government updates

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【Summary】UK government updates ZEV mandate, requiring increasing percentages of zero-emission cars and vans sold by manufacturers. 2024 targets remain unchanged, but other targets are softened due to delay in banning petrol and diesel cars until 2035. By 2030, 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans must be electric, with percentages increasing to 100% by 2035. Businesses express mixed reactions to the announcement, citing the need for clarity and certainty.

FutureCar Staff Sep 29, 2023 9:22 AM PT

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

While the requirement for 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans to be zero-emission by 2024 remains unchanged, the government has made some adjustments to other targets. These adjustments come after the announcement of a delay in the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035. The updated ZEV mandate now states that by 2030, manufacturers must ensure that 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans are electric. This proportion will then increase gradually until reaching 100% in 2035.

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

Dominic Phinn, senior policy manager at the Climate Group, shared a mixed reaction to the government's updates. While he acknowledged that the mandate brings clarity and certainty for businesses to invest in electric vehicles, he also expressed disappointment in the decision to delay the phase-out date for petrol and diesel cars. Phinn emphasized that this delay undermines the enthusiasm businesses may have had for the ZEV mandate. Additionally, he highlighted concerns about the lowered targets for electric vans, as businesses were already facing challenges in acquiring them. Phinn called on the government to fulfill its commitments and drive the transition to electric vehicles as a necessary step towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.