Just under six in 10 used car dealers believe the UK’s 2026 Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate target will be met, according to January’s Startline Used Car Tracker. The research found 57% expect manufacturers to hit next year’s 33% zero-emission sales requirement.
However, confidence comes with caveats. A net +70% of dealers say more government support is needed for new EV sales, rising to +74% for the used EV market – a key concern for fleets relying on healthy residual values. A further net +44% believe the ZEV Mandate targets will ultimately need revising, with one in five saying longer-term targets are already unachievable.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said optimism around 2026 reflects improving sentiment towards EVs, despite the likelihood that the 2025 target was narrowly missed.
The research also highlights a growing belief that electrification will be uneven. A net +44% of dealers see plug-in hybrids as an important transition technology, while +26% say the return of hybrid and petrol options reflects market reality, a view likely to resonate with fleets balancing cost, availability and operational risk.