The UK Government has launched a consultation on its Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, reviewing annual electric vehicle sales targets for manufacturers as the country moves towards ending sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
The consultation will run until October 23 and seeks views from vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, charge point operators, consumers and communities. It is being conducted jointly by the UK Government and devolved administrations.
The review comes as demand for electric vehicles continues to rise. Government figures show that July recorded the strongest new car market since 2019, with more than one in four new cars sold being electric. EV sales were also 45% higher than in July last year, while more than two million electric vehicles are now registered on UK roads.
The Government said its Electric Car Grant, which provides discounts of up to £3,750 on eligible new electric cars, has helped more than 160,000 drivers make the switch since its launch last July. It estimates that EV owners can save as much as £1,400 a year in running costs.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the review would ensure the targets remained practical while supporting British businesses and maintaining the long-term goal of moving away from petrol and diesel vehicles.
“The end goal hasn’t changed,” Alexander said, adding that industry should have a role in shaping how the transition is delivered.
The Government said manufacturers are currently on course to meet their 2025 targets and have access to several flexibilities under the existing system. The review will examine whether future annual targets remain appropriate amid global economic challenges, supply chain disruption and uncertainty over tariffs and international trade.
The Government is investing £7.5 billion in the transition to cleaner vehicles. The funding includes £4 billion for DRIVE35 projects and £3.5 billion for grants, the Electric Car Grant and charging infrastructure.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the consultation would help ensure the automotive sector remains competitive while encouraging investment and innovation.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders welcomed the review, saying manufacturers remain committed to zero-emission vehicles but need a commercially sustainable transition that protects investment, jobs and consumer choice.
However, some groups warned against reducing the targets. Gurjeet Grewal, chief executive of Octopus Electric Vehicles, said the ZEV Mandate was encouraging investment and giving consumers greater confidence to switch to electric cars.
The Government is also allocating £600 million to expand charging infrastructure. More than 120,000 public charge points are already available across the UK, alongside more than one million chargers in homes and workplaces.
Ministers said grants of up to £500 are available to landlords, flat owners and renters to help with home charger installation costs.
