The government has launched a consultation on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, seeking views on how the country will phase out sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
It will examine whether the mandate’s existing annual targets for vehicle manufacturers remain appropriate as the UK works towards requiring all new cars and vans to be fully zero emission by 2035.
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, said: “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.”
The review comes as electric vehicle sales continue to grow with more than one in four new cars sold in July were electric and EV sales are 45% higher than in the same month last year. More than two million electric vehicles are now registered on UK roads.
Manufacturers are currently on track to meet their 2025 ZEV targets but the government wants to review the system with continued supply chain disruption and uncertainty around tariffs and trade.
The government said it is investing £7.5bn to support the transition including funding for EV manufacturing, vehicle grants and charging infrastructure.
A further £600 million is being invested in expanding the public charging network, building on more than 120,000 public charge points currently available across the UK.
The Electric Car Grant currently offers consumers up to £3,750 towards the purchase of an eligible new electric car. More than 160,000 drivers have used the scheme since its launch in July 2025.
The consultation will seek the views of vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, charge point operators, dealers, consumers and communities.
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