UK Government

The UK government opened a consultation on 14 August to review zero emission vehicle targets, following pressure from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which reports automakers losing billions of pounds on EV discounts to meet mandates. Current rules require EVs to account for 33% of new car sales in 2026, 80% in 2030 and 100% by 2035, but EV market share is expected to reach only 27.4% by year end. The review proposes four alternatives, including three that would retain the 2035 endpoint but cut the 2030 target to as low as 50%, and a fourth that would keep existing targets with added flexibility.

Why it matters: Any softening of the 2030 target could slow the pace of charging infrastructure rollout required to support fleet electrification, affecting procurement timelines and investment decisions for CPOs planning network expansion. The consultation outcome will shape demand forecasts and the business case for charging projects across the UK market.

More than 40 organisations from the charging, fleet, battery manufacturing and investment sectors have warned the UK Government that changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate could affect billions of pounds of investment across the automotive and infrastructure supply chain. The current mandate requires 33% of new cars sold in 2026 to be pure electric, rising to 80% by 2030, but the Government is reportedly preparing a consultation on relaxing the framework, potentially reducing the 2030 requirement to as low as 50%. Polling by Savanta for the Climate Barometer Tracker found that 54% of Labour MPs support the planned 2030 phase out of new petrol and diesel car sales, compared with 17% who oppose it.

Why it matters: Any weakening of the ZEV Mandate could slow the rollout of charging infrastructure by reducing certainty around future EV adoption rates, potentially deterring the billions in private investment needed to meet 2030 targets. Charge point operators and infrastructure developers rely on clear policy signals to justify capital expenditure and site acquisition decisions.