AS anticipated, the Government has today (14 August) launched a consultation as to whether the existing Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate should be modified.
The Mandate sets percentage targets for the proportion of a manufacturer’s new car and van registrations that must be zero emissions each calendar year. These can be met through EV sales and flexibilities such as borrowing from future years or carrying over a surplus.
Although the Department for Transport says that manufacturers are currently on track to meet their 2025 targets, they are being reviewed in the context of challenging and complex global economic conditions, including supply chain disruption and tariff and trade uncertainty. It also points to changing standards in Europe and the US.
It highlights the rise in new and used electric cars sales, the use of the EV Grant and increased public charging but says that demand for ZEVs has grown more slowly than anticipated. The market share remains below the levels that the ZEV Mandate headline targets anticipated, and the position is more pronounced for vans.
What’s being proposed?
Currently, manufacturers must ensure 80% of their sales are zero emission by 2030. The consultation proposes options from 50% to 80% with extended flexibilities. For electric vans the 2030 target is 70% by 2030, and consultation options range from a 40% target by 2030 to 70% with extended flexibilities. The flexibilities are also subject to consolation.
The requirement for all new cars and vans to be zero emission by 2035 is unchanged.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, 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.”
Toby Poston, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, said: “Today’s consultation on the ZEV Mandate provides a vital opportunity to take stock of the UK’s transition to zero emission vehicles.”
“BVRLA members have already invested more than £36 billion in 750,000 electric vehicles and have been the driving force behind the UK's shift to electric mobility. We will engage fully with this consultation, representing members from across the sector and ensuring Government understands where policy is working, where greater support is needed, and how we can keep the transition moving with confidence.”
However, Tanya Sinclair, CEO of industry-to-consumer organization Electric Vehicles UK, was critical of the message sent by the consultation. “There is a remarkable cognitive dissonance in a government who is asking whether we should extend the availability of polluting vehicles amid our hottest summer on record.
“It hasn’t rained for weeks, our ground is parched, air quality is poor. Electric vehicles are the most powerful public health and climate change intervention we have to mitigate these changes, as much as we’re able.
“And to top it off, they are cheaper to buy and drive, and fantastically equipped with the latest tech. It’s all upside, so why isn’t this government doing everything in its power to enable their uptake?”
The consultation also seeks views the future role of plug-in hybrid vehicles and close on 23 October.
You can read the full Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate review here.
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