UK Government Launches Review to Relax Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales Mandate

The UK government has recently launched a consultation process to relax the mandatory zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales targets, with the public consultation period running until October 23. The mandate requires automakers to progressively increase the share of zero-emission new car sales—from 22% in 2024 to 100% by 2035. Manufacturers failing to meet these targets face financial penalties, which were reduced to £12,000 per non-compliant vehicle in April 2023. Data shows that in May 2024, battery-electric vehicles accounted for 27.3% of new car registrations in the UK, falling short of the 33% compliance target required for 2026. Potential policy adjustments under consideration include lowering the 2030 target for electric vehicle sales from 80% to 50%, with hybrid vehicles making up the shortfall. However, the existing bans—on the sale of new pure internal combustion engine cars by 2030 and on new hybrid vehicles by 2035—will remain unchanged.