UK vehicles to emit extra 17 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030 after ZEV mandate weakened

British vehicles will emit an additional 17 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030 following changes to the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, according to analysis seen by the Guardian. Labour weakened the rules in 2024 by adding loopholes that allow carmakers to sell more petrol engine vehicles, prompting a 48 per cent rise in plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales this year. The changes are forecast to result in an extra 59 billion miles driven using petrol and diesel engines in cars and vans compared to pre amendment forecasts, while environmental groups and the charging industry urge the government to resist further dilution of the mandate originally introduced by the Conservatives in 2023.

Why it matters: The weakening of the ZEV mandate directly undermines the business case for charging infrastructure investment by slowing the transition to battery electric vehicles and increasing reliance on PHEVs with lower charging demand. Procurement teams and charge point operators face greater uncertainty over utilisation forecasts and revenue projections if policy continues to shift in favour of hybrid vehicles over pure electric models.