UK to Cut 2030 EV Sales Target to 50% as Industry Warns of £11,000 Fines

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 14

The government is preparing a consultation to lower the 2030 pure-electric sales mandate to 50% from 80%, while keeping the ban on new petrol and diesel-only cars in place.
That shift would let hybrids account for the other 50% of new car sales until 2030, with the 2035 deadline for ending new hybrid sales understood to remain unchanged.
Pressure built as battery EVs made up 27.3% of May registrations, still below the 33% mandate for 2026 sales, and carmakers said they were discounting heavily to move EVs.
Unite called the move a "huge victory," saying the ZEV mandate could trigger fines of up to £11,000 per vehicle and threaten jobs, while charging and investment groups warned weaker targets could deter infrastructure spending.
The planned rollback would be Labour's second easing of the ZEV rules since taking office, after last year's change allowing longer sales of plug-in hybrids.

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13 Sources

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UK Slashes 2030 Electric Vehicle Sales Target from 80% to 50%: Economic Pressures and Market Realities Reshape Net-Zero Ambitions

Overview

In June 2026, the UK government will reduce its 2030 electric vehicle (EV) sales target from 80% to 50%, marking a major shift in its net-zero strategy. This change comes after pressure from businesses and the Unite union over potential job losses, offering relief to the traditional automotive industry but raising concerns among investors and the EV sector. The move is seen as a setback for the net-zero agenda led by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, and it signals uncertainty for future investment in EV infrastructure as the government tries to balance economic realities with climate goals.

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