Government Consults on Weakening 2030 Electric-Car Target
The government has launched a consultation on softening the UK’s electric-vehicle sales targets, under pressure from carmakers who say the goals are unrealistic. Relaxing the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate would ease the burden on manufacturers but risks slowing the switch to cleaner transport. Charging firms have warned that watering down the commitment could deter investment.
The mandate requires carmakers to sell a rising proportion of electric vehicles each year or face fines, and the industry has lobbied hard for relief, citing softer demand and the price gap with petrol models. Easing the targets would help a struggling sector but could stall the rollout of charging points and undercut climate goals, and providers of that infrastructure warn it would weaken the case for their spending. Ministers must balance the health of carmakers against the interests of drivers considering the switch and the country’s net-zero commitments. Consumer groups caution that any retreat could keep motoring costs higher for longer. The consultation will decide where the line is drawn. Watch where the targets settle and how industry and campaigners respond.