Vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, charge point operators, dealers, consumers and communities are being asked for their views on the pathway to reach zero emission as the government today announced last week that they are launching a consultation on the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
The zero-emission pathway is regarding the ending of sales for new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and ensuring all new cars and vans are zero emission by 2035. The consultation asks for views on how the UK gets there and whether the existing annual targets for manufacturers remain appropriate.
The consultation comes as the UK’s transition to cleaner transport continues, with July recording the strongest new car market since 2019, driven by growing demand for electric vehicles. More than 1 in 4 new cars sold are now electric, EV sales were up 45% on July last year and over 2 million electric vehicles are now registered on UK roads. The government’s Electric Car Grant has helped over 160,000 drivers buy an EV since it launched last July.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said that the end goal for electric vehicles in the UK hasn’t changed, but that it’s important to keep reviewing targets to “ensure they’re practical and back British industry”.
Manufacturers are currently on track to meet their 2025 targets, but due to complex global economic conditions, including supply chain disruption and trade uncertainty, the government is reviewing targets to ensure they remain pro-business and continue to drive growth – while giving the industry certainty on the outcome as quickly as possible.
Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said that the consultation is about listening to the industry, examining the evidence available and ensuring that the mandate continues to support investment, innovation and competitiveness.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said that the automotive industry is fully committed to a zero-emission future, but as the ZEV Mandate was conceived under vastly different conditions, the review is a timely opportunity to adjust the transition so it works for all.