ZEV mandate receives government updates

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【Summary】UK government updates ZEV mandate, requiring increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles. 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans must be zero-emission by 2024. However, targets have been softened due to the delay in phasing out 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 confidence and delaying the transition to EVs.

FutureCar Staff Sep 29, 2023 4:24 PM PT

The UK government has made updates to its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This mandate establishes the percentage of cars and vans sold by vehicle manufacturers that must be zero emission starting from next year, with the percentage increasing annually.

The requirement for 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans to be zero-emission by 2024 remains unchanged. However, the government has made some adjustments to other targets following the announcement of a delay in 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 gradually increase until reaching 100% in 2035.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper stated 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 Climate Group, expressed mixed sentiments regarding the government's actions. While acknowledging the positive aspect of mandating 80% of passenger car sales to be fully electric by 2030, Phinn criticized the lowering of targets for vans. Furthermore, Phinn argued that the recent delay in the phase-out date for petrol and diesel cars undermines business confidence and ability to invest in electric vehicles. Phinn urged the government to fulfill its commitments and drive the transition to electric vehicles as a necessary step towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.