The Department for Transport has issued a fresh update on the future of the UK petrol and diesel car ban with just years to go. The DfT issued a fresh update on the current state of the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate amid speculation that Prime Minister Andy Burnham could water down the targets.
Reports suggest that Mr Burnham could oversee a new consultation of the ZEV Mandate, with a six-week study set to consider a softening of targets between 2027 and 2035. The new consultation comes after pressure from the UK car industry to change the rules over fears manufacturers cannot meet the current targets.
However despite the speculation, the DfT has confirmed that officials still remain committed to phasing out all new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Meanwhile, they confirmed that all new cars and vans must be zero-emission by 2035, despite accepting that they recognise manufacturers are facing challenges.
In a statement, a Government spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “We are committed to the 2030 phase-out date for new petrol and diesel cars. It’s never been easier or cheaper to own an EV. The ZEV Mandate is backed by £7.5 billion to grow the market, boost EV manufacturing, increase sales and build up the UK charging network.
“EV sales have surged almost 45% compared with July last year, and we’ve helped over 150,000 drivers to buy through our Electric Car Grant, boosting sales whilst putting money back in people’s pockets. We’ve always said we’ll review the mandate to support British industry and investment. Further details will be published in due course.”
Labour previously stressed they were set to review the UK’s ZEV mandate rules from 2027, but have seemingly brought the consultation forward.
Earlier this year, the SMMT warned that waiting until 2027 to review the scheme was “not an option”.
This month, Mike Hawes, president of the SMMT, said: “A sustainable transition will not happen merely by compelling supply when underlying demand is not keeping pace despite year-on-year growth. We need urgent reform of the regulation, else Britain risks undermining its competitiveness and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on this industry.”