LONDON — The UK government is expected to lower its electric vehicle (EV) sales targets this week following a policy review initiated in August, according to reporting by BBC News. The potential shift aims to provide relief to automotive manufacturers who have argued that the current transition pace is too demanding.
Current regulations under the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) mandate require 80% of new car sales to be electric by 2030, building up from 28% in 2025 and 33% in 2026. While Downing Street has maintained that no final decision has been finalized, a government source indicated that officials are approaching the consultation with a "pragmatic and balanced" perspective.
Automotive industry representatives have pressed for adjustments, pointing to similar debates and policy watering-down in the European Union. However, environmental organizations have warned that weakening the 2030 benchmarks could jeopardize the UK's broader climate commitments and long-term electrification goals.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recused himself from the deliberations due to a family connection to an electric vehicle company, leaving Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh to chair the key ministerial meetings. Despite potential changes to intermediate targets, the government maintains its overarching commitment to phase out sales of new cars relying solely on petrol and diesel engines by 2030, with a complete transition to 100% zero-emission new cars and vans slated for 2035.
