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30 climate and health groups warn UK government against weakening ZEV mandate

By Eve

A coalition of 30 organisations, including WWF, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, has warned the UK government that diluting the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate would be an act of economic self harm. A formal consultation is underway exploring options to lower annual percentage targets for new zero emission cars and vans, with the Financial Times reporting that the Burnham administration is now considering a 60% target for 2030, up from an earlier proposal of 50% but down from the current 80% requirement. The 100% zero emission target for 2035 remains fixed.

Why it matters

Any weakening of the ZEV mandate could slow EV adoption rates and reduce the urgency for charge point operators to expand infrastructure ahead of 2030. Lower sales targets may also affect public sector procurement timelines and the business case for workplace and destination charging investments.

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Original title
“Health and climate leaders issue stark warning to government over ZEV mandate U-turn”
Published
21 October 2026
Updated
22 October 2026
Also covered by
transportandenergy.com

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