BRITAIN yesterday set out a range of options that could ease the pressure on car manufacturers to switch new sales to zero-emission vehicles, launching a review of the existing targets which gradually phase out new petrol and diesel cars.
The mandate, introduced in 2024, requires carmakers to ensure a rising proportion of their annual sales are zero-emission vehicles, with EVs accounting for 33 per cent of new car sales in 2026, 80pc in 2030 and 100pc by 2035.
The policy is designed to accelerate the industry’s transition to electric vehicles by imposing fines on manufacturers that miss the targets. Carmakers have argued, however, that supply-chain disruptions and insufficient consumer demand are making the requirements difficult to meet.
A government consultation opened yesterday seeking views from the industry on four alternative pathways for the targets. Three would retain the 2035 endpoint but cut the 2030 target to as low as 50pc. A fourth would keep the existing path but introduce new flexibility to help manufacturers comply.
“In the context of challenging and complex global economic conditions, including supply chain disruption and tariff and trade uncertainty, the UK is reviewing targets to ensure they remain pro-business and grounded in the real world,” a Department for Transport statement said.
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