Andy Palmer warns weakening UK ZEV Mandate to 50% by 2030 risks billions in EV investment
By Eve
Dr Andy Palmer, former Nissan executive who launched the Leaf, has criticised reported plans by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dilute the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate to a 50% electric vehicle penetration target by 2030. Writing in Transport + Energy, Palmer argues the original mandate underpinned major commitments including Nissan's investment in new Leaf and Juke EV production at Sunderland, Chery's UK plans, and battery projects in Sunderland and Somerset. He warns that repeated policy reversals erode investor confidence across vehicle manufacturing, charging infrastructure, battery supply and energy sectors.
Why it matters: A weakened ZEV Mandate could slow the rollout of charging networks by reducing the certainty that infrastructure investors and charge point operators need to commit capital. The policy shift threatens the regulatory stability that has driven billions in UK supply chain and manufacturing investment tied to EV adoption forecasts.