Overview
- Number 10 is reviewing a formal consultation that was reported on Wednesday that would lower the ZEV mandate’s 2030 battery‑electric vehicle (BEV) share from 80% to options around 50%, 60% or 70%.
- The Department for Transport says it remains committed to ending new petrol and diesel sales by 2030 while reviewing the mandate to support British industry and investment.
- Car makers and dealer groups argue the current rule forces deep, last‑minute discounts and risks fines of about £12,000 for each non‑compliant vehicle, which they say justifies easing the quota.
- Independent analysis by Carbon Brief estimates a weaker mandate could raise household vehicle ownership costs by up to £3 billion a year by 2030, add about 7.4 MtCO2 to emissions that year, and require roughly 17 million more barrels of oil imports.
- Public and industry responses diverge: a YouGov poll for ChargeUK shows most Britons prefer keeping or speeding the current pace, EV groups warn that policy backtracking could deter charging and battery investment, and trade bodies say reform is needed to reflect consumer demand.