Submit your views on the ZEV Mandate review consultation by 23 October 2026.
Vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, charge point operators, dealers, consumers and communities are being asked for their views on the pathway to ending sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and ensuring all new cars and vans are zero emission by 2035, as the government has launched a consultation on the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
The consultation comes as the UK’s transition to cleaner transport continues to gather pace. July recorded the strongest new car market since 2019, driven by growing demand for electric vehicles, with over two million electric vehicles now registered on UK roads.
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 £7.5 billion, including our Electric Car Grant that has helped over 160,000 people make the switch.
‘It is right we keep targets under review to ensure they are practical and back British industry. The end goal hasn’t changed – but we need to take business with us on the journey and that is exactly what we are doing today by making sure industry has the chance to shape how we get there.’
Manufacturers are currently on track to meet their 2025 targets and have built-in flexibilities to help them do so. But in the context of challenging and complex global economic conditions, including supply chain disruption and tariff and trade uncertainty, the UK is reviewing targets to ensure they remain pro-business and grounded in the real world.
The government is continuing to support industry with the transition, so the UK remains an attractive base for manufacturing and investment, securing good jobs now and in the future.
The government is investing £7.5 billion to grow the market, boost EV manufacturing, increase sales and build up the UK charging network. This includes £4 billion for Drive35 projects and £3.5 billion for van, truck and car grants, the Electric Car Grant and EV charging infrastructure.
All new cars and vans will need to be fully zero emission by 2035. The consultation asks for views on how the UK gets there and whether the existing annual targets for manufacturers remain appropriate and deliver the long standing commitment to review the ZEV Mandate by 2027.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘The automotive industry is fully committed to a zero emission future, investing billions in new technologies, products and incentives. However, with the ZEV Mandate conceived under vastly different conditions, this welcome review is a timely opportunity to adjust the transition so it works for all. That means a commercially sustainable transition which supports UK competitiveness, investment and jobs whilst delivering greater choice and affordability for motorists – the sooner, the better.’
To support the growing number of EVs on UK roads, the government is investing £600 million to roll out more charge points. This builds on the £400 million already being used to deliver more than 100,000 more public chargers across the UK.
Commenting on the review, Guy Bartlett, CEO at EV charge point operator Believ, said: ‘This consultation should be a chance to lock in the progress towards the EV transition that drivers want and need, not press pause on it. It is therefore encouraging that ‘no change’ remains on the table.
‘Recent data shows that only 37% of people want the EV transition slowed, with 53% wanting it kept on track or accelerated. Among Labour voters that figure rises to 68%. People want the benefits of cleaner, cheaper driving, not another delay.
‘The switch to electric is also one of the UK’s biggest economic and environmental opportunities. Energy UK says EVs are the single biggest driver of emissions reductions in the UK’s Net Zero Pathway, cutting more than seven million tonnes of CO₂ from UK emissions every year. The ZEV Mandate is helping underpin billions of pounds of investment in charging infrastructure, grid upgrades, innovation and supply chains, supporting jobs and growth across the country.
‘We are encouraged by the open, evidence led consultation, but remain steadfast that the government must come out of it with the mandate protected, not weakened.’