UK eases EV sales targets after industry pushback

Britain’s Department for Transport announced on Friday that it will revisit the zero‑emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate that currently requires 80 per cent of new car sales to be electric by 2030. The fresh review, prompted by a wave of warnings from manufacturers and dealership groups, could see the target cut to 50 per cent while keeping the ban on pure‑petrol cars after 2030.

Why the shift matters

The original pathway placed the United Kingdom among the most aggressive in the world, aiming to force a rapid build‑out of charging infrastructure and a swift re‑tooling of factories. Critics argue the timetable outpaces consumer demand and threatens to erode investment, potentially jeopardising jobs at a time when the auto sector is already under pressure from global supply‑chain disruptions.

Industry response

Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, said:

“It’s right we keep targets under review to ensure they’re practical and back British industry. The end goal hasn’t changed, but we need to take business with us on the journey.”

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has long warned that the policy is “running ahead of market demand”. Its chief executive, Mike Hawes, added:

“Regulatory targets are now running ahead of current consumer demand, so this review is a timely opportunity to optimise the pace of change. A commercially sustainable transition must support UK competitiveness, investment and jobs while delivering greater choice and affordability for motorists.”

Dealership groups including Enterprise Mobility, Vertu Motors, Zenith and United Rental Group issued a joint statement urging a swift consultation to “restore confidence in the UK’s transition to electric vehicles”. They argue that regulation alone cannot drive the shift; a partnership between government, industry and consumers is essential.

What could change

Under the proposed revisions, the ban on new petrol‑only cars after 2030 would remain, but automakers may be permitted to sell a larger share of hybrids. The 2035 deadline for ending hybrid sales would also stay in place, preserving a long‑term goal of fully zero‑emission fleets.

Stellantis, which in 2024 cited the original ZEV rules as a factor in closing its Luton van plant, warned that “all Stellantis production in the UK could stop” without a policy adjustment. The consultation is expected to run for several weeks, after which the government will publish a final set of targets.

Analysts note that a softer target could ease short‑term investment concerns but may also slow the rollout of charging networks and affect the UK’s ability to meet its net‑zero pledges. The outcome will likely influence the broader economic outlook, as highlighted in recent coverage of the country’s growth prospects here.

Regardless of the final numbers, the government has signalled that it will not abandon the overarching aim of phasing out fossil‑fuel cars, merely that the pace may be recalibrated to align with market realities.