Andy Burnham has responded to reports that the UK's ZEV Mandate rules on electric car sales could be watered down, stressing that no decisions have been made on the targets.
According to the Guardian, ministers could make cuts to EV goals this week, with suggestions that targets may be reduced by up to a quarter.
Current Rules and Industry Pressure
Under the current rules, manufacturers must ensure that at least 80% of new cars sold are fully electric by the end of the decade. However, car manufacturers and the motoring industry have suggested this was an unreasonable target, with many calling for a review of the ZEV Mandate targets.
This review was conducted by the Department for Transport (DfT) this Autumn, with the responses currently under review before any decisions are made.
Burnham's Statement
Mr Burnham weighed into the discussion this week, stressing that absolutely no decisions had yet been made on what to do about ZEV targets. The Prime Minister said: "Well, the consultation on the mandate for zero-emission vehicles concluded only a fortnight ago, so obviously that is being looked at now.
"The range of responses to the consultation... so these reports are just that: they're reports, they're speculation and no decision has been made at this point."
Industry Concerns
Earlier this month, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes told The Express that absolutely no manufacturers believe the 80% goal by 2030 was achievable.
Ford and Renault have been among the major carmakers demanding action over fears consumer demand wasn't matching up to strict targets.
Mr Hawes has since added: "The gap between demand and mandated targets continues to widen. Meaningful change to the trajectory, alongside expanded flexibilities throughout the regulation, is essential to bridge that gap, safeguard jobs and investment while keeping the UK's zero emission transition on track."
Government Commitments
However, the Government has stressed that there will not be any updates to the baseline target of stopping the sale of brand new petrol and diesel models by 2030. It suggests any updates to ZEV Mandate targets would be a relaxation around the number of plug-in hybrid cars that could leave forecourts.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson explained: "The Government is fully behind the zero emission vehicle mandate, and no decisions have been taken yet.
"We're sticking to our commitments: on phasing out new cars that run only on petrol or diesel by 2030, (that) every new car and van will be zero emissions by 2035 and our legally binding net zero targets. None of that is changing.
"The consultation is about getting the details right, so the switch works for drivers, for carmakers and for the hundreds of workers whose jobs depend on it."
