Andy Burnham could be set to change the UK’s electric vehicle transition with a slight overhaul of the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, overseeing the petrol and diesel car ban rules, expected. The new Prime Minister could be set to water down the ZEV Mandate targets after concern from the car industry and manufacturers.
Labour is expected to launch an immediate review into ZEV Mandate rules, which could see updates to targets between 2027 and 2035. As things stand, manufacturers must ensure that at least 80% of car sales are fully electric by the end of the decade.
Manufacturers desperate to meet the targets are being forced to cut costs on new EVs, prompting frustration by car brands and the UK car industry. But a six-week review could cut the goal, with Labour previously considering axing the target to just 50%.
The president said that progress in the UK’s EV transition “cannot be sustained” if manufacturers continue to distort demand by losing billions in EV discounts. Mr Hawes has previously explained that not a single manufacturer based in the UK or beyond believes the regulated 2030 target of 80% was on track.
Mike added: “A sustainable transition will not happen merely by compelling supply when underlying demand is not keeping pace despite year-on-year growth.
“We need urgent reform of the regulation, else Britain risks undermining its competitiveness and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on this industry.”
Ford have been among the top manufacturers calling for officials to look into the policy, with UK boss Lisa Brankin previously warning that the gap between customer demand and mandate targets was “getting wider”
She added: “Ford believes in a zero-emissions future. That isn’t in question. What is in question is whether the current policy path reflects how people actually buy and use vehicles today.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “We are committed to the 2030 phase out date for new petrol and diesel cars. It’s never been easier or cheaper to own an EV. The ZEV Mandate is backed by £7.5 billion to grow the market, boost EV manufacturing, increase sales and build up the UK charging network.
“EV sales have surged almost 45% compared with July last year, and we’ve helped over 150,000 drivers to buy through our Electric Car Grant, boosting sales whilst putting money back in people’s pockets. We’ve always said we’ll review the mandate to support British industry and investment. Further details will be published in due course.”
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