The UK government is preparing to consult on a potential revision of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, signalling a possible retreat from the current 80% electric vehicle (EV) sales target set for 2030.

With the industry having missed the 2025 target of 28% (actual registrations sat at 23.4%), manufacturers and trade unions have been lobbying for urgent relief.

Reports suggest the government is considering lowering the 2030 goal to between 50% and 70% to alleviate pressure on automotive businesses.

For UK garages, this policy shift carries significant weight. The SMMT has warned that continuing with the current mandate, which is outstripping consumer demand, risks broader economic consequences for the sector, including impacts on jobs and long-term investment.

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While car makers have been absorbing over £10bn in losses over the last two years through discounting to hit quotas, the sustainability of this model remains a primary concern for the entire supply chain.

Despite the potential for relaxed targets, the mandate’s financial penalties, currently set at £12,000 per non-compliant vehicle, are expected to remain in place.

Industry analysts note that these mandates are critical for driving private capital into national charging infrastructure, there is a fear that weakening these targets could signal a cooling of commitment, potentially slowing the rollout of the charging networks that your customers rely on.