Sir Keir Starmer has been blasted by experts, with his latest U-turn branded a “catastrophic own goal” by the Prime Minister. Keir Starmer is expected to water down the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate rules after pressure from the motor industry.
It is believed that manufacturers will only need to ensure that 50% of cars are fully electric by 2030, down from the previous goal of 80%. However, Thom Groot, CEO of The Electric Car Scheme, has warned that changing the ZEV Mandate at this stage would be the wrong move.
Manufacturers and industry chiefs have been calling for EV targets to change. He stressed that manufacturers needed “consistency”, with the new rules also expected to have a knock-on effect on sales momentum.
Thom said: "Diluting the ZEV mandate would be a catastrophic own goal. Consumer demand for EVs is growing, proof that the appetite is absolutely there. Through salary sacrifice alone, we've seen demand for new EVs double in the past year. Consumers and manufacturers alike need consistency to plan and invest. Watering down these targets only benefits those who haven't taken them seriously from the start.
“I would like to see the Government channel the momentum already gained into focusing on innovations and incentives that make EVs more accessible. We will make this clear in the review."
Manufacturers and the UK car industry through the SMMT have called for changes to the ZEV mandate rules in recent weeks. Meanwhile, union bosses raised concerns that the current targets were having a major impact on jobs in the manufacturing sector.
However, other EV specialists are also frustrated at the future move and have vented their frustration. EVA England said the move would “send exactly the wrong signal” and was likely to damage confidence in the EV sector.
ChargeUK stressed that the new rules could have major long-term impacts on the UK’s electric car market which could bring it into “disrepute”. Vicky Read, chief executive of ChargeUK said: “Weakening the ZEV Mandate for a third time would not only slam the brakes on infrastructure rollout and send the entire transition into a tailspin. It would bring Britain’s entire reputation as a market worth investing in into disrepute."
