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United Kingdom

UK government expected to cut 2030 electric vehicle sales target

Lower zero-emission car sales targets would ease pressure on carmakers, but the plan faces likely opposition from Labour MPs and climate campaigners.

Photo: Yahoo News

What happened

The UK government is expected to cut its electric vehicle sales target for 2030 by about a quarter, to around 60 per cent, government sources say. euronext.com+1 Louise Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, is expected to finalise the plan after a meeting in Downing Street on Wednesday. The Independent+3 The current 2024 mandate requires 80 per cent of new cars sold in 2030 to be zero-emission vehicles, rising to 100 per cent by 2035. Daily Mirror+1 A government spokesperson said the government is united in its commitment to the ZEV mandate and that no decisions have been taken. Daily Mirror+1 The 2035 zero-emissions target for all new car and van sales is not expected to change. Daily Mirror+1

Around it

Carmakers have warned for years that the interim targets are unattainable, citing higher inflation and a squeeze on living standards. The Independent+1 Electric cars took 26.6 per cent of UK registrations through October, against a 33 per cent headline target for 2026. EVXL Labour MPs are likely to push back, with some already upset by the approval of the Jackdaw gasfield and cuts to green schemes. The Independent+1 Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recused himself from decisions on electric car sales because of his wife's ties to the industry. Daily Mirror

What comes next

The decision on the ZEV mandate is due to be finalised at the Downing Street meeting on Wednesday. The Independent+3

Sources

  1. The IndependentLabour ‘plans to cut EV targets’ despite backlash from MPs
  2. Daily MirrorElectric vehicles sales target 'set to be cut' in blow for climate campaigners
  3. EVXLUK Expected to Cut Its 80% EV Target This Week, With 50% on the Table
  4. euronext.comBritain expected to cut 2030 EV sales target to 60%, Guardian says
  5. Birmingham LiveAndy Burnham 'set to cut' EV targets in bombshell ZEV mandate shake-up
  6. Yahoo NewsLabour expected to cut EV targets for UK’s car industry despite MPs’ protests

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