On November 9, reports said the UK government plans to lower its 2030 target for zero-emission vehicles as a share of new-car sales from 80% to about 60%, while extending compliance-flexibility measures for automakers through 2034. According to Sina Finance, Deputy Prime Minister Louise Haigh is expected to finalize the proposal after a meeting this Wednesday, but a government spokesperson said no final decision has been made.
Under the UK’s current zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, zero-emission vehicles must account for 33% of automakers’ new-car sales in 2026, rising to 80% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that battery-electric vehicles accounted for 26.6% of new-car sales in the UK so far this year, below the 33% annual target. Automakers say supply-chain disruptions and weak consumer demand have made the existing targets harder to meet, and have called for substantial adjustments.
The UK government launched a policy review in August to ease pressure on automakers during the transition. Although it is considering lowering the interim 2030 target, the government says it will maintain the requirements to end sales of new cars powered solely by gasoline or diesel in 2030 and ensure all newly sold cars and vans are zero-emission by 2035.
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