Photo: Your Local GuardianPhoto: Your Local GuardianUnited Kingdom
UK government expected to cut electric vehicle sales target this week
A lower electric car mandate would ease pressure on carmakers, a shift that environmental groups oppose and that matters for industry planning.
What happened
The UK government's electric vehicle targets are expected to be reduced this week, a move likely to be welcomed by carmakers but opposed by environmental groups. BBC Under current rules, 80 percent of new cars sold in the UK must be electric by 2030, and industry groups have long called for urgent relief. BBC A significant reduction to that 80 percent requirement is now expected, with the government having consulted on changing it. BBC One report says the mandate is expected to fall from 80 percent to 50 percent by 2030, following a public consultation that concluded recently. Head Topics Downing Street has insisted no decision has been made. BBC
Around it
The speed of the transition to electric vehicles has been hotly debated, including within the cabinet. BBC Alongside approval of the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, a steeper watering-down of the rules could be seen as the government prioritizing economic considerations over environmental ones. BBC Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recused himself from this issue due to his wife's involvement. BBC The changes are reported alongside a move to end green heating requirements for new homes. Head Topics
Sources
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