UK expected to reduce 2030 electric vehicle target to 60% - report

The British government plans to lower its electric vehicle sales target for 2030 to approximately 60%, down from the current 80% goal, according to the Guardian on Sunday. The newspaper cited government sources for the information.

Current regulations from 2024 require carmakers to meet rising shares of zero-emission vehicle sales each year. The targets start at 33% for 2026, increase to 80% in 2030, and reach 100% by 2035.

Louise Haigh, serving as de facto deputy prime minister, is set to finalize the revised plan following a meeting at Downing Street on Wednesday.

The Guardian reported that Haigh will likely approve the 60% target for 2030 and extend flexibility measures until 2034.

A government spokesperson told Reuters that no final decisions have been made. "The government is united in its commitment to the ZEV mandate, and no decisions have been taken," the spokesperson said.

The government maintains its commitment to phase out all new petrol and diesel-only vehicles by 2030.

The spokesperson added that the mandate consultation will not change the requirement for all new car and van sales to be zero-emission by 2035.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government outlined options in August that could reduce pressure on carmakers to shift toward zero-emission vehicles. The existing targets remain under review.

Carmakers have stated that supply chain disruptions and weak consumer demand create challenges in meeting current requirements.

Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 26.6% of new car sales year to date, falling short of the 33% target for 2026. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported these figures last week and called for "substantive" changes to align targets more closely with demand.