The UK government has launched a review of the ZEV mandate, proposing a revision of electric vehicle sales targets for the period between 2027 and 2035. Under the new proposal, the share of fully electric new cars required by 2030 would be set at 60 per cent, replacing the previous 80 per cent target. The remaining 40 per cent of sales must consist of hybrid vehicles, effectively ending the registration of pure petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
The consultation process, which began in mid-August, is scheduled to conclude on 23 October 2026. Industry stakeholders, including automakers, have been invited to submit their official feedback. The proposal reflects a compromise between the business department, which seeks to support the automotive industry against international competition, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which aims to maintain climate goals.
Automakers have long criticized the existing mandate, which required a rise from 33 per cent this year to 80 per cent by 2030. Companies like Ford and Nissan had advocated for a reduction to 40 or 50 per cent. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders notes that the current targets force manufacturers to spend heavily on incentives to stimulate demand, which they argue is not a sustainable business model.
The UK automotive sector currently reports an electric vehicle market share of 26 per cent, an increase from 22 per cent in the previous year. Previous adjustments to the ZEV mandate have already reduced fines for non-compliance from £15 000 to £12 000 per vehicle. Additionally, manufacturers have gained more flexibility to aggregate sales data over multiple years to meet their regulatory obligations.
