BEVs took 30% of UK car market in August, yet government weighs softening 2030 targets
By Eve
Battery electric vehicles captured 30% of UK new car sales in August, up from 23% a year earlier, making BEVs the single most popular powertrain ahead of hybrids at 29% and petrol at 22%. Sales are running ahead of the pace needed to meet the current 80% EV target by 2030, with 2025 year to date figures already meeting 2026 targets, yet the UK government is considering softening those mandates despite the strong performance.
Why it matters
The disconnect between robust EV uptake and potential policy retreat creates uncertainty for charging infrastructure investors and operators planning network expansion to support the 2030 trajectory. Any weakening of sales targets could slow the business case for large scale charging deployments, even as current demand signals justify continued rollout.
Source
- Original title
- “BEVs outsold every powertrain in August, so why is UK trying to roll back targets?”
- Published
- 3 September 2026
- Updated
- 4 September 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Policy & Market
- Place
- United Kingdom
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