ZEV mandate rethink gathers pace as fleets call for clarity

The future of the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate has moved firmly back into focus this week, with growing reports that the Government is considering reducing electric vehicle sales targets for manufacturers.

The mandate currently requires 33% of new car sales and 24% of new van sales to be zero-emission in 2026, rising to 80% of all new car sales by 2030. However, pressure has been mounting from manufacturers, industry bodies and unions who argue current targets are running ahead of real-world demand.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has repeatedly called for a review, while Unite warns the mandate risks damaging UK automotive jobs if targets remain unchanged. Reports suggest ministers could consult on reducing the 2030 car target from 80% to 50%.

For fleets, however, the dominant message this week has been the need for policy certainty. Fleet operators typically plan vehicle replacement cycles three to five years ahead, making long-term visibility arguably more important than the exact percentage targets themselves.

Attention is also increasingly turning towards vans. While electric car adoption continues to grow, battery-electric vans account for just 9.5% of registrations year-to-date, well below the 24% target required next year. Industry figures warn that charging, payload, range and cost challenges mean vans risk becoming the overlooked part of any ZEV mandate rethink.

The Government will now consult on what the new 2030 target should be, with figures ranging from 50% to 70% reportedly under consideration. However, with any decision likely to take months, fleets may have to continue making long-term vehicle decisions without the policy certainty many say they need.

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