Electric car and charging industry leaders have warned that plans to weaken Government electric vehicle (EV) targets could leave drivers with fewer affordable cars, undermine investment and slow Britain's transition to electric motoring.
The row follows reports that ministers are considering cutting the 2030 Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) target from 80% to 60%, following pressure from car manufacturers over jobs, costs and consumer demand.
Charging operators reject blame
Charging operators have insisted that Britain's charging infrastructure is already expanding ahead of Government targets and should not be blamed for the industry's challenges.
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, said: "But let's be clear: charging infrastructure is not the problem. The industry needs to stop using it as an excuse for weakening the rules. We are delivering infrastructure ahead of schedule, investing billions and building a network ready to support more drivers making the switch."
Lane added: "What businesses need now is certainty, not another round of shifting goalposts."
Concerns over affordable car choice
The proposed changes have raised concerns that manufacturers could face less pressure to introduce cheaper electric cars, potentially leaving motorists with less choice.
Almost one in three new cars sold in October was fully electric, according to industry figures, despite warnings from manufacturers that future targets could prove difficult to meet.
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, said: "Drivers and businesses need a clear road ahead, yet even ministers appear unable to agree on the direction. With increasing uptake of EVs and a growing choice of affordable electric models, now is the time to build confidence, not weaken it and the government must not let private companies dictate environmental policy."
Buckley pointed out that the mandate already includes substantial flexibilities, with analysis suggesting carmakers are collectively ahead of their estimated requirements once CO₂ credits are included.
Impact on drivers without driveways
However, Buckley acknowledged that electric vans face different challenges and called for a more realistic approach to their targets rather than weakening ambitions for cars.
The row also raises questions about the impact on drivers without driveways, who rely on public charging and could benefit from a wider choice of affordable electric vehicles.
Yann Marston, Chief Revenue Officer at char.gy, said: "Keeping ambitious EV targets in place will help ensure drivers have access to more affordable electric cars, particularly those without driveways, who often face the biggest barriers."
Investment concerns
Charging companies have warned that repeated changes to Government policy risk making Britain a less attractive destination for infrastructure investment.
Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said: "Investment follows confidence, and confidence depends on certainty. Speculation about weakening the ZEV mandate sends the wrong signal to businesses committing millions to Britain's electric future."
Heap added: "Changing the rules risks delaying investment, slowing progress and ultimately leaving drivers worse off. Ultimately it makes the UK less attractive for investment compared to other markets."
No final decision on the reported changes has been confirmed, with further Government discussions expected this week.
