Government electric vehicle sales targets to be cut

The UK Government is set to ease its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate after sustained lobbying from the automotive industry and trade unions. The current policy requires 80% of new cars sold in the UK to be fully electric by 2030, but reports suggest this target will be lowered to 50% following a consultation expected in the coming weeks. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the union Unite have warned that the existing ZEV targets are unsustainable, threatening jobs and profitability. Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, stated that the mandate is contributing to job losses in the UK automotive sector. The Government had previously resisted a review, with the next assessment scheduled for 2027. The ZEV mandate was introduced in 2024, requiring manufacturers to sell 22% electric cars and 10% electric vans that year, rising to 33% for cars and 24% for vans by 2026. The UK’s approach is stricter than the EU’s, which now focuses on reducing carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 and 90% by 2035, allowing some internal combustion engine vehicles beyond 2035. Industry sources indicate the Government will meet with carmakers this week to discuss the policy shift, first reported by the *Sunday Times*. Weakening the ZEV mandate could halve planned investment in the UK’s electric vehicle charging network over the next five years, raising concerns about long-term infrastructure readiness. The changes come as the UK had previously confirmed its ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, with hybrids allowed until 2035. The revised targets reflect growing concerns about consumer demand and the financial viability of electric vehicle adoption in the UK market.