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UK government reviewing ZEV mandate with 2030 target likely cut to 60 per cent under Burnham

By Eve

The Department for Transport has confirmed the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate is under review, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government expected to reduce the 2030 target from 80 per cent to 60 per cent for car manufacturers. The current mandate requires 38 per cent of car sales to be zero emission in 2027, rising to 52 per cent in 2028, 66 per cent in 2029, and 80 per cent in 2030, before a full phase out of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Previous reports suggested former business secretary Peter Kyle had proposed a deeper cut to 50 per cent, but the new administration is pursuing a more modest reduction.

Why it matters

A lower ZEV mandate target could slow the rollout of public and workplace charging infrastructure if manufacturers reduce EV production volumes, affecting procurement timelines and investment decisions. Charge point operators planning network expansion based on the original 80 per cent target may need to revise demand forecasts and deployment schedules.

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Original title
“Department for Transport confirms electric car and van rules being 'reviewed' under Andy Burnham”
Published
20 October 2026

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