# UK electric vehicle mandate review > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-electric-vehicle-mandate-review > Updated: 2026-08-19T19:59:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 4. The UK government is conducting a formal consultation to review the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, exploring alternative pathways for zero-tailpipe-emission targets. While the 2035 deadline for all new cars and vans to be zero-emission remains fixed, officials are considering easing intermediate targets due to industry pressure. The Department for Transport is evaluating four options. Three involve reducing the 2030 sales target from the current 80% to a range between 50% and 70%. A fourth option would maintain the existing trajectory but introduce greater flexibility for manufacturers. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported that manufacturers are losing billions of pounds in discounts to meet current targets, and market projections suggest the 2026 goal of 33% zero-emission sales may not be met. SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes stated the review is “essential for the competitiveness of the sector and the success of the nation’s EV transition.” Industry concerns previously cited include supply chain disruptions, weak consumer demand, and specific challenges for commercial fleet operators regarding electric van payload, range, and charging infrastructure. While manufacturers lobby for reform, previous analysis suggested that weakening these mandates could increase national emissions by 2.5% and cost consumers up to £3bn annually by 2030. Public opinion remains divided, with a YouGov poll showing 53% of Britons favor maintaining or accelerating the current pace, compared to 37% who support easing the move. ## Claims - The UK government has launched a consultation to review the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets for 2030. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The consultation period is scheduled to run until October 23, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Electric vehicle sales in the UK have increased by 29 per cent this year. (single source) - Proposed adjustments to the 2030 mandate could see the target reduced from 80 per cent to levels as low as 50 per cent. (single source) - The ban on the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars remains set for 2030. (single source) - The requirement for 100 per cent zero-emission vehicle sales is scheduled for 2035. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-19: UK government reviews electric vehicle mandates for automakers The UK government is reviewing its electric vehicle mandates, considering lowering the 2030 zero-emission sales target to provide more flexibility for automakers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-reviews-electric-vehicle-mandates-for-automakers ### 2026-08-16: UK and Canada review electric vehicle sales mandates The UK is reviewing its 2030 electric vehicle sales targets to potentially lower them, while Canada has begun repealing its EV sales mandate in favor of new greenhouse gas emission standards. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-maintains-2030-ban-on-new-petrol-and-diesel-vehicles ### 2026-08-14: UK Government reviews electric vehicle sales targets for 2030 The UK government is reviewing its 2030 electric vehicle sales mandate, considering reducing the target from 80 per cent to as low as 50 per cent to better align with consumer demand. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-reviews-electric-vehicle-sales-targets-for-2030 ### 2026-08-12: UK government considers weakening electric vehicle mandates The UK government is weighing a reduction in electric vehicle sales targets, a move that could cost consumers £3bn annually and increase national emissions despite public opposition. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-considers-weakening-electric-vehicle-mandates --- Cite as: UK electric vehicle mandate review. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-electric-vehicle-mandate-review