Andy Burnham has weighed in on possible updates to ZEV Mandate rules (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham has broken his silence as rumours continue to suggest the UK’s ZEV Mandate rules on electric car sales could be watered down. According to the Guardian, ministers could make cuts to EV goals this week, with suggestions that targets may be reduced by up to a quarter. Under the current rules, manufacturers must ensure that at least 80% of new cars sold are fully electric by the end of the decade.
However, car manufacturers and the motoring industry have suggested this was an unreasonable target, with many calling for a review of the ZEV Mandate targets. This was conducted by the Department for Transport (DfT) this Autumn, with the responses currently under review before any decisions are made.
Mr Burnham weighed into the discussion this week, stressing that absolutely no decisions had yet been made on what to do about ZEV targets. The Prime Minister said: “Well, the consultation on the mandate for zero-emission vehicles concluded only a fortnight ago, so obviously that is being looked at now.
“The range of responses to the consultation… so these reports are just that: they’re reports, they’re speculation and no decision has been made at this point.” Earlier this month, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes told The Express that absolutely no manufacturers believe the 80% goal by 2030 was achievable.
Ford and Renault have been among the major carmakers demanding action over fears consumer demand wasn’t matching up to strict targets.
Mr Hawes has since added: “The gap between demand and mandated targets continues to widen. Meaningful change to the trajectory, alongside expanded flexibilities throughout the regulation, is essential to bridge that gap, safeguard jobs and investment while keeping the UK’s zero emission transition on track.”
Could ZEV Mandate EV targets be about to change? (Image: Getty)
However, the Government has stressed that there will not be any updates to the baseline target of stopping the sale of brand new petrol and diesel models by 2030. It suggests any updates to ZEV Mandate targets would be a relaxation around the number of plug-in hybrid cars that could leave forecourts.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson explained: “The Government is fully behind the zero emission vehicle mandate, and no decisions have been taken yet.
“We’re sticking to our commitments: on phasing out new cars that run only on petrol or diesel by 2030, (that) every new car and van will be zero emissions by 2035 and our legally binding net zero targets. None of that is changing.
“The consultation is about getting the details right, so the switch works for drivers, for carmakers and for the hundreds of workers whose jobs depend on it.”
ANDY BURNHAM ISSUES MAJOR UPDATE ON EV CAR RULE CHANGE – PETROL AND DIESEL DRIVERS LEFT WAITING AS GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS U-TURN!
British motorists are facing fresh uncertainty over the future of petrol, diesel and electric cars after Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed growing speculation about changes to the UK’s electric vehicle sales targets.
The Prime Minister has insisted that no final decision has been made, despite reports that ministers are preparing to significantly relax the rules governing how many new electric vehicles manufacturers must sell by 2030.
The announcement has sparked a major debate across the automotive industry, with manufacturers, environmental campaigners and ordinary drivers watching closely.
At the centre of the controversy is the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, a government policy designed to accelerate Britain’s transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles.
Under the existing rules, at least 80 per cent of new cars sold by manufacturers must be zero-emission vehicles by 2030, rising to 100 per cent by 2035.
However, reports suggest ministers are considering reducing the 2030 requirement to around 60 per cent.
For millions of motorists, the question is straightforward: will the government make it easier to continue buying petrol and hybrid vehicles, or will the existing electric car targets remain in place?
Andy Burnham Breaks His Silence
Speaking on Monday, November 9, Burnham confirmed that the government had not reached a decision.
He explained that the consultation on the ZEV Mandate had only recently closed and that ministers were still examining responses from the automotive industry and other interested parties.
He described reports about an imminent change as speculation rather than confirmed government policy.
His comments came amid growing expectations that the government could announce changes to the rules during November.
The Prime Minister also insisted that Britain remained committed to its wider environmental objectives.
Downing Street subsequently confirmed that the government still intended to phase out sales of new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel by 2030.
It also maintained its commitment to ensuring all new cars and vans are zero-emission by 2035.
Could the 2030 Electric Car Target Be Cut?
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The existing ZEV Mandate requires manufacturers to increase the proportion of electric vehicles they sell each year.
The target for 2030 currently stands at 80 per cent for new cars.
However, reports suggest ministers are considering reducing that figure to approximately 60 per cent.
Such a change would give manufacturers greater flexibility and potentially allow more plug-in hybrid vehicles to be sold during the transition.
The consultation considered several possible options, including reducing the target to 50 per cent.
No revised target has yet been officially confirmed.
What Does This Mean for Petrol and Diesel Drivers?
The distinction between sales targets and a ban on new petrol and diesel cars is particularly important.
The proposed changes concern the proportion of zero-emission vehicles manufacturers must sell.
They do not automatically mean that existing petrol and diesel vehicles will be removed from British roads.
Motorists will still be able to own, drive and sell their existing vehicles after 2030, subject to the usual vehicle regulations.
The government has also maintained its commitment to ending sales of new cars relying solely on petrol or diesel by 2030.
This means drivers should not assume that the latest announcement gives them a guarantee that the 2030 deadline will be abandoned.
Why Are Car Manufacturers Demanding Changes?
The automotive industry has repeatedly warned that the current targets are difficult to achieve.
Manufacturers argue that consumer demand for electric vehicles is not increasing quickly enough to match the government’s requirements.
They have also raised concerns about charging infrastructure, affordability and the cost of developing new models.
Some manufacturers have offered substantial discounts to encourage customers to choose electric vehicles.
Others have warned that maintaining strict targets could put pressure on investment and jobs within Britain’s automotive industry.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has called for meaningful changes to the mandate, arguing that the rules need to reflect actual market conditions.
For manufacturers, the challenge is balancing government requirements with what customers are genuinely prepared to buy.