Government sticks with ZEV mandate

FOLLOWING the troubling news that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was pushing back the date for the ban of ICE cars from 2030 to 2035 comes rather more comforting news out today that the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate stays in place (28 September 2023).

So new petrol and diesel cars will remain on sale until 2035, but 80% of all cars made must be zero emission by 2030. For vans the target is 70%.

The Department for Transport said the 2035 end of sale date puts the UK in line with other major global economies, including France, Germany, Sweden and Canada.

The ZEV mandate sets a stepped minimum annual target to be met by OEMs, starting with a requirement for 22% of new cars sold in 2024 to be zero emission rising to 100% by 2035.

Many car makers are already on the trajectory to reach zero emission by 2030. Nissan, in reaction to the Government’s earlier announcement, said that all its cars in the UK will be zero emission by 2030.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

The path to zero emission vehicles announced today makes sure the route to get there is proportionate, pragmatic and realistic for families. Our mandate provides certainty for manufacturers, benefits drivers by providing more options and helps grow the economy by creating skilled jobs.

In response to the ZEV mandate announcement, Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive, added:

“Last week’s announcement by the Prime Minister created a wave of uncertainty. Businesses planning their decarbonisation journeys need to be sure of their destination and deadline. This ZEV mandate clarity will wrestle back some of the confidence that last week’s Phase-Out delay dented.

“The decarbonisation divide is growing. The company-provided car sector is well on its way and will be fully ZEV ahead of official targets. Others face much harder transitions. Vehicle rental, the retail market, and commercial vehicles have a mountain to climb if they are to adopt zero-emission vehicles in the volumes required. Targeted financial support and incentives will play a vital role.

“For those challenging market segments, the breathing space afforded by the ZEV Mandate van trajectory changing, car club parameters being adjusted, and commitment to an accessible transition will be welcome.

“The Prime Minister may have applied the brakes to the Government’s Phase-Out targets, but the fleet sector still has its foot on the throttle. The pace of the transition will continue to accelerate in the years ahead. The Road to Zero is building momentum and we will continue to work with Government officials and stakeholders in the automotive and energy sectors to make sure it is not lost.”