New Prime Minister Andy Burnham could be set to dramatically overhaul the UK's electric vehicle transition, with a major revision of the petrol and diesel car ban rules expected. The government is likely to launch an immediate review into the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, potentially updating targets between 2027 and 2035.
Under current rules, manufacturers must ensure at least 80% of car sales are fully electric by the end of the decade. However, the UK car industry has called for a review, and Labour had previously considered cutting the target to just 50%.
Industry pressure mounts
Manufacturers struggling to meet the targets are being forced to cut costs on new EVs, prompting frustration among car brands. A six-week review could reduce the goal, with the industry warning that progress in the EV transition "cannot be sustained" if manufacturers continue to distort demand by losing billions in EV discounts.
Mike Hawes, President of the SMMT, has said that not a single manufacturer based in the UK or beyond believes the regulated 2030 target of 80% was on track. He added: "A sustainable transition will not happen merely by compelling supply when underlying demand is not keeping pace despite year-on-year growth. We need urgent reform of the regulation, else Britain risks undermining its competitiveness and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on this industry."
Ford among critics
Ford has been among the top manufacturers calling for officials to look into the policy. UK boss Lisa Brankin previously warned that the gap between customer demand and mandate targets was "getting wider". She added: "Ford believes in a zero-emissions future. That isn't in question. What is in question is whether the current policy path reflects how people actually buy and use vehicles today."
Labour had previously rejected calls to review the ZEV mandate, stressing that a review would be conducted in early 2027. Express.co.uk has contacted the Department for Transport for comment.
