Andy Burnham has been told to make an “urgent reform” to the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, a move that could affect the future of petrol and diesel cars in the UK. Currently, manufacturers must ensure that 80% of new car sales are electric by 2030, with some exemptions for hybrids. This rule effectively bans the sale of new petrol and diesel models.
Industry calls for review
Mike Hawes, President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), has been vocal in calling for a review of the mandate, suggesting that “urgent reform” is needed. He said: “The EV mandate debate needs facts, not anti-industry fiction. The reality is that not a single manufacturer – UK-based or importing, in credit or not – believes the regulated 2030 target of 80% is on track, let alone the 95% the Committee for Climate Change suggests is achievable for both cars and vans.”
Hawes highlighted that with just three and a half years to go, and despite unprecedented incentives, battery electric vehicle (BEV) share stands at 25.3% for cars and less than half that for vans. He noted that the biggest challenge for cars is private retail buyers, with four in five still choosing non-BEV models. “Salary sacrifice helps but remains a minority benefit. Urgent reform of the mandate is therefore needed, alongside renewed commitment from all stakeholders to build consumer confidence.”
Potential consultation
Labour previously indicated that the ZEV mandate rules would not be reviewed until 2027 at the earliest, but it has been suggested this could be brought forward. A new six-week consultation into the targets could be confirmed by the Department for Transport (DfT) soon, possibly watering down targets between 2027 and 2035.
However, officials have stressed that headline figures would remain in place, with the DfT confirming they remain committed to phasing out all new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The DfT added that all new cars and vans must be zero emission by 2035 but admitted they recognised manufacturers were facing challenges.
Government response
The DfT explained: “We are committed to the 2030 phase-out date for new petrol and diesel cars. It’s never been easier or cheaper to own an EV. The ZEV Mandate is backed by £7.5 billion to grow the market, boost EV manufacturing, increase sales and build up the UK charging network. EV sales have surged almost 45% compared with July last year, and we’ve helped over 150,000 drivers to buy through our Electric Car Grant, boosting sales whilst putting money back in people’s pockets. We’ve always said we’ll review the mandate to support British industry and investment. Further details will be published in due course.”
