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UK Government reviews electric vehicle sales targets for 2030
The UK government has launched a consultation to review the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, considering whether to lower the 2030 target for new car sales. While the current mandate requires 80 per cent of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2030, ministers are exploring options to reduce this to 70 per cent, 60 per cent, or even 50 per cent.
The review comes despite a 29 per cent rise in UK electric vehicle sales this year. Industry groups, including the SMMT and the National Franchised Dealers Association, have expressed support for the review, noting that regulatory targets are currently outpacing consumer demand. Conversely, some organizations, such as Octopus Electric Vehicles, have warned that weakening the mandate could send the wrong signal to investors and consumers.
While the 2030 targets are under review, the government maintains that the long-term ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030 and the transition to 100 per cent zero-emission sales by 2035 remain unchanged. The consultation period is open until October 23, 2026.
Entities
Heidi Alexander · Institute of the Motor Industry · National Franchised Dealers Association · SMMT · UK Government
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Electric vehicle sales in the UK have increased by 29 per cent this year. www.easterneye.biz
- [● 2 SOURCES] The consultation period is scheduled to run until October 23, 2026. www.easterneye.biz · www.motortrader.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The UK government has launched a consultation to review the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets for 2030. www.easterneye.biz · www.motortrader.com · forecourttrader.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Proposed adjustments to the 2030 mandate could see the target reduced from 80 per cent to levels as low as 50 per cent. www.easterneye.biz
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The requirement for 100 per cent zero-emission vehicle sales is scheduled for 2035. forecourttrader.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ban on the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars remains set for 2030. forecourttrader.co.uk