politics
UK Government to Consult on 50% Pure Electric Car Sales Target for 2030 While Keeping Petrol and Diesel Ban
The government plans to consult on lowering the ZEV mandate from 80% to 50% pure electric sales by 2030 while keeping the 2030 petrol and diesel ban and 2035 hybrid phase-out. The change follows industry and union pressure and would allow more hybrid sales in the interim.
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The UK government is preparing to consult on lowering its 2030 target for pure battery-electric car sales from 80% to 50% of total sales. The move would allow hybrid vehicles to account for a larger share of new registrations through the end of the decade.
Government sources said the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars would remain in force, meaning the remaining 50% of sales would be hybrids.
The 2035 deadline for ending sales of new hybrid models is also expected to stay unchanged. The zero-emission vehicle mandate was introduced by the Conservatives in 2023. Labour ministers adjusted the rules last year to permit longer sales of plug-in hybrids, which now represent just under 14% of the market.
The government had scheduled a formal review of the targets for 2027 but now intends to bring that review forward. 3% of new UK car registrations, below the 33% mandate set for 2026. The ZEV mandate imposes fines of up to £11,000 per vehicle on manufacturers that miss annual targets.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders declined to comment on the proposed consultation.
