The UK government has launched a consultation on its Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, seeking views on how to reach the phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and ensure that all new cars and vans are zero-emission by 2035.

The review, announced on 14 August by the Department for Transport, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, will examine whether the existing annual targets for vehicle manufacturers remain appropriate. The consultation will remain open until 23 October 2026.

According to the government, the review is intended to ensure that the transition remains practical for manufacturers while supporting investment, jobs and competitiveness in the UK automotive sector. Industry players, including manufacturers, suppliers, charge point operators and dealers, as well as consumers and communities, have been invited to submit their views.

EV sales continue to grow

The consultation comes as electric vehicle sales continue to increase in the UK. More than one in four new cars sold are now electric, while EV sales in July were 45% higher than in the same month last year. More than two million electric vehicles are now registered on UK roads.

July also saw the strongest new car market since 2019, according to the government, with growing demand for EVs contributing to the increase.

The government says the ZEV Mandate is already helping expand the availability of electric models and improve price competitiveness. Industry data cited by the government indicates that the prices of new EV models are becoming increasingly comparable with those of petrol and diesel vehicles.

The transition is also being supported through the Electric Car Grant, which provides up to £3,750 towards the cost of a new EV. Since its launch last July, the scheme has helped more than 160,000 drivers purchase an electric vehicle, according to the government.

Targets under review

The UK says manufacturers are currently on track to meet their 2025 ZEV targets and have access to flexibilities within the mandate to help them comply.

However, the government argues that global economic conditions have changed significantly since the mandate was introduced. Supply chain disruptions, as well as uncertainty around tariffs and international trade, are among the factors prompting the review.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the government remains committed to the end goal but wants to ensure that the pathway is practical for businesses and that industry has an opportunity to influence how the transition is implemented.

The consultation will therefore consider whether the existing annual manufacturer targets remain appropriate while maintaining the UK's long-standing commitment to end sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and achieve 100% zero-emission sales of new cars and vans by 2035.

£7.5 billion in government support

Alongside the review, the government highlighted £7.5 billion in investment aimed at expanding the UK's EV market, supporting manufacturing and developing charging infrastructure.

The funding includes £4 billion for DRIVE35 projects and £3.5 billion for grants covering vans, trucks and cars, including the Electric Car Grant, as well as EV charging infrastructure.

Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the review would focus on ensuring that the mandate continues to support investment, innovation and competitiveness in the UK's automotive sector.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also welcomed the review. Its Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, said the industry remains committed to a zero-emission future but argued that the transition needs to be commercially sustainable and support UK competitiveness, investment, jobs, consumer choice and affordability.

Charging infrastructure remains a key part of the transition

The government is also increasing investment in charging infrastructure as the number of EVs on UK roads grows.

A further £600 million has been allocated to expand the charging network, building on the 120,000 public charge points currently available and more than one million chargers in homes and workplaces. This follows £400 million already being used to deliver more than 100,000 additional public chargers across the UK.

For households charging at home, the government estimates that switching to an EV can reduce annual running costs by around £1,400. Grants of up to £500 are also available to help landlords, flat owners and renters install home charging equipment.

The ZEV Mandate consultation, launched by the UK government together with the devolved governments, will run until 23 October 2026. The responses will help determine how the UK adjusts its vehicle emissions targets while maintaining its commitment to a zero-emission new car and van market by 2035.