Government launches ZEV mandate consultation
Review has the potential to soften targets for car manufacturers.
The UK Government has kick-started a consultation to assess whether the current zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets need adjusting.
The current mandate, introduced in 2024, required that 22 per cent of a car manufacturer’s sales that year be electric. This rose to 28 per cent in 2025 and 33 per cent this year. This review has the potential to change next year’s target – 38 per cent – and would change how subsequent targets would be introduced.
Under current plans, manufacturers would be required to meet a 52 per cent EV target in 2028, 66 per cent in 2029 and 80 per cent in 2030.
However, the Government will now consult with car manufacturers, industry leaders, retailers and others on the required target for the years 2027 to 2035.
Launching today (August 14), the consultation will look at whether the current ZEV sales targets need to be relaxed or made more flexible. However, the commitment to the phasing out of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030 will remain in place.
Heidi Alexander, transport secretary, said: “The UK EV market is strong – sales are up, British manufacturers and charge point operators are investing billions, alongside our backing of £7.5bn, including our Electric Car Grant that has helped over 160,000 people make the switch.
“It’s right we keep targets under review to ensure they’re practical and back British industry. The end goal hasn’t changed – but we need to take business with us on the journey, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today, by making sure industry has the chance to shape how we get there.”