Brits support reform to the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate

Following The Times’ report that the government is set to relax mandatory targets for electric cars, for car manufacturers, Carwow Group issues the following response:

Brits support reform to the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate

• Two thirds (67%) of drivers believe the government should lower the targets for the production of electric vehicles (EVs) among manufacturers, according to research by Carwow
• More than three quarters (77%) believe the government should offer greater level of support to the automotive industry

Research from Carwow, the online-car changing marketplace, found that a significant proportion of UK drivers believe an urgent reform of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is necessary. The research found that two thirds (67%) believe the government should lower the targets for electric vehicle (EV) production among manufacturers.

In fact, more than three quarters (77%) of drivers believe the government should offer broader financial support to the automotive industry to help with the adoption of EVs among drivers more generally.

As it stands, the UK’s ZEV mandate, which was enacted at the beginning of 2024, requires that 28% of vehicles sold by each manufacturer in 2025 must be fully electric or have zero tailpipe emissions. This will increase each year up to 80% in 2030.

Iain Reid, Head of Editorial at Carwow, said: “The government recognised that the current ZEV mandate wasn’t fit for purpose when it committed to its policy review last year. However, words must now turn into action.

“Although the shift to electric vehicles continues to build momentum, the reality is that BEV market share, as shown in Tuesdays’ SMMT figures, still remains short of the 22% target set by government for last year, and even further behind the 28% requirement for 2025. Despite manufacturers heavily discounting EVs to drive demand, private sales are still lagging.

“Our research makes it clear, motorists believe the government should lower the targets for manufacturers while 54% want the government to prioritise policies that ‘accelerate EV ownership’.

“The government’s role in supporting the automotive industry will be key to supporting broader adoption among consumers. Yet, under the current ZEV mandate, manufacturers face the threat of huge fines of £15,000 per petrol or diesel car sold above the limit.

“We need a pragmatic approach that balances ambition with the situation on the ground, and ensures the UK stays on track to transition to EV without punishing the automotive industry which is driving this change.”

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Carwow’s 10-point ‘The Future of Motoring’ manifesto calls for the government to supercharge the transition to electric vehicles.