The UK government has launched a review that will consider whether to soften the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets for electric car sales from 2027 to 2035.
It will look to consult with car makers, the wider industry and other stakeholders to reduce the proportion of EV sales that brands need to make between 2027 and 2035, at which point all new vehicles must be zero-emissions under the current plan.
The government said it aims to ensure the EV sales mix targets outlined in the ZEV mandate "remain pro-business and grounded in the real world".
Launching the long-promised consultation today (14 August), the government is inviting manufacturers, suppliers, charging companies, retailers and consumers to contribute their views on how to achieve the planned phase-out of pure-ICE vehicles by 2030.
The move comes just after the best month for EV sales in the UK since 2019, with registrations up 45% year on year in July to give them a market share of more than 25%.
The government said that growth is partly testament to the effectiveness of its new Electric Car Grant scheme, but also that the review will look to adapt ZEV sales rules in light of "challenging and complex global economic conditions, including supply chain disruption and tariff and trade uncertainty".
Saying it wants to "give industry certainty on the outcomes as quickly as possible", the government has imposed a 23 October end date on the consultation, meaning it will last just over two months. Sources had earlier suggested it would be capped at six weeks.
There is a fear within government that the ZEV mandate will begin to impact the viability of car makers operating in the UK, putting jobs at risk.
This will be a significant consideration of the review. However, it's also possible that no changes will be made, or just minor edits, with all options said to be on the table still.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: "The UK EV market is strong: sales are up, British manufacturers and charge point operators are investing billions, alongside our backing of £7.5bn, including our Electric Car Grant that has helped over 160,000 people make the switch.
"It’s right we keep targets under review to ensure they're practical and back British industry. The end goal hasn't changed – but we need to take business with us on the journey, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today, by making sure industry has the chance to shape how we get there."
Whatever the precise changes may be, the review will undoubtedly be welcomed by nearly all 'legacy' car makers, which have long argued that the targets aren't reachable and don't keep pace with market interest in EVs.
This will be their chance to have their say on the record and try to influence a change in the policy.
The ZEV mandate was introduced in 2024, when 22% of sales had to be electric. It rose to 28% in 2025 and is at 33% this year. Next year’s target, the first impacted by the review, is at 38%. From there it rises sharply to 52% in 2028, to 66% in 2029 and to 80% in 2030. There are no set target for the years between 2030 and 2035 (100% electric) at this stage.
