EV targets set to be watered down
Electric vehicle sales targets for British carmakers could be watered down after ministers launched a fresh review amid growing pressure from manufacturers and dealerships. The government said it was seeking the opinions of auto makers, suppliers and charging point providers on whether to loosen the ambitious plans to phase out sales of petrol and hybrid [...]
The UK government is considering reducing ambitious targets for electric vehicle (EV) sales among carmakers after facing pressure from industry. Ministers initiated a review of the EV pathways to phase out petrol and hybrid vehicle sales by 2035, following warnings from auto makers, suppliers, and charging point providers. The current plan requires 80% of car sales to be EVs by 2030.
However, the review proposes lowering this target to 50%, as many industry representatives have expressed concerns that the original target may deter investment and force carmakers to sell vehicles at a loss. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that while the end goal of zero emissions vehicles remains unchanged, the review aims to ensure the targets are practical and support British industry.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and dealerships had previously warned that the policy, which obliges carmakers to sell a growing share of electric cars annually, is "running ahead of market demand." They argued that the policy led to Stellantis' decision to close a van-making plant in Luton and could force further closures.
The dealerships also emphasized that transitioning to EVs requires a partnership between government, industry, and consumers, rather than solely relying on regulations and targets. The government maintains that it is not abandoning its promise to phase out petrol car sales beyond 2030 but is open to allowing automakers to sell more hybrid vehicles.
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