The government has launched a consultation about plans to introduce a new ZEV mandate next year to drive the industry’s transition to net zero.
The proposed mandate will require car manufacturers to reach 22% of new cars zero emission models by 2024, with that rising to 80% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. For vans, the minimum target percentage is 10% in 2024, 70% by 2030 and 100% in 2035.
The government, which has committed a further £381m to develop a charging infrastructure, has also restated that e-fuels will not be considered as an alternative.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said. “Transport is one of the most important sectors for achieving net zero by 2050, and so we must accelerate our efforts to decarbonise how people get from A to B while growing our economy and supporting thousands of green jobs.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “While the proposals rightly reflect the sector’s diversity, late publication and lack of regulatory certainty make product planning near impossible, and the continued lack of clarity as to what technologies will be permitted beyond 2030 undermines attempts to secure investment.
“Measures to improve the customer charging experience are a step in the right direction, but the fact that contactless credit or debit card payments will not be available on the vast majority of public chargers is a major failing that will significantly disadvantage EV drivers. Ultimately, for this mandate to be successful, infrastructure providers must now turn promises into investment and catch up with the commitments of vehicle manufacturers.
“The UK new car and van market is already moving at pace towards electrification, the result of massive investment by manufacturers and increased consumer demand. If the UK is to lead the global race to zero emission mobility, however, it must go further and faster in unlocking infrastructure investment, incentivising EV ownership and helping ensure more of these vehicles are developed and built in Britain.”
The consultation is due to close on 24 May.
