UK Considers Easing Electric Vehicle Sales Targets

The British government launched a consultation on Friday on possible changes to its zero-emission vehicle targets. The mandate, introduced in 2024, requires electric vehicles to account for 33% of new car sales in 2026.

The target is set to rise to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2035, with automakers facing fines if they fail to meet the requirements.

Carmakers say supply chain disruptions and weak consumer demand are making the targets difficult to meet. They have also pointed to high energy prices and inadequate charging infrastructure as obstacles to stronger demand.

The government has set out four alternative pathways. Three would retain the 2035 target but lower the 2030 requirement, potentially to as little as 50%, while the fourth would maintain the existing targets but give automakers greater flexibility in meeting them.

The Department for Transport said the review aimed to make the targets more realistic for businesses given difficult global economic conditions. New AutoMotive data showed that electric vehicles accounted for 27.4% of new car registrations in July – enough to meet the current requirements once existing flexibilities are taken into account.

(Reuters, Max)