The debate around the future of the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate intensified again this week, with the Government's independent climate advisers warning ministers against making further concessions to manufacturers.
In its latest annual progress report to Parliament, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) says weakening EV sales targets would undermine the UK's emissions goals, reduce investor confidence in charging infrastructure and leave more motorists exposed to volatile petrol and diesel prices.
The intervention comes just days after reports suggested ministers are considering lowering future ZEV mandate targets following sustained lobbying from vehicle manufacturers and industry bodies. While the Government has yet to announce any changes, the prospect of a revised mandate continues to dominate industry discussion.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) maintains that current targets risk running ahead of customer demand, arguing manufacturers can supply electric vehicles but cannot force consumers to buy them. Instead, it is calling for greater support through measures such as lower public charging costs, VAT reform and wider consumer incentives.
Similar Stories
Chery, Jaecoo and Omoda boost warranties to give fleets more confidence
The Chery Automobile group, which also controls Jaecoo and Omoda, has extende...
Aion UT supermini to be priced from £28,950
The Aion UT is the new Chinese supermini ready to take on established Europea...
Meet the Genesis GV90 - full-size electric SUV fights Range Rover
Fleets considering full-size luxury SUVs have a new challenger alongside the ...
2027 Hyundai Tucson unveiled | Bolder styling, high tech cabin
Fleets shopping in the mid-size family SUV segment have consistently shortlis...
Ultra-rapid charging is moving closer to where fleet vehicles work
Ultra-rapid charging is increasingly moving beyond motorway corridors and int...
Safety technology only works best if drivers trust it
New Teletrac Navman research found 74% of well-prepared drivers rated their c...
Electric vans' potential met when fleets solve the operational gap
Arval’s 2026 Fleet and Mobility Observatory Barometer found UK LCV operators ...
New planning rules could make fleet infrastructure easier to deliver
The revised National Planning Policy Framework introduces a specific freight ...
New emissions rules could make maintenance history even more important
The Department for Transport is consulting on rules that would require in-use...
VIDEO: Battery swapping could offer a new route to electric HGV uptime
EMobility has highlighted CATL’s QIJI system, which can replace a heavy-truck...
Van overloading rise puts fleet compliance under pressure
Van fleets should review loading controls after new DVSA data showed overload...
Omoda&Jaecoo UK sells 100,000 cars in less than two years
Omoda&Jaecoo UK has surpassed 100,000 vehicle registrations in less than ...
ZEV mandate consultation: 'timely opportunity to optimise the pace of change' says SMMT
Following the recent announcement of the UK Government launching a consultati...
UK garages call for MOT cost cap to increase to £95
Fleets running vehicles over three years old could be facing a cost increase ...
Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift unveiled | New grille, new tech
The combustion-engine Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been updated as part of its m...
Business lease deals of the week: retro revival or large family estate?
See this week's top business lease deals for company car drivers. From a char...
Volkswagen ID.3 Neo goes on sale - all models eligible for £1,500 grant
Hyundai Ioniq 3 goes on sale in UK, priced from £22,245
Fleet buyers considering small electric vehicles have a new contender to cons...
Better Fleet: A practical playbook for choosing fleet software
Fleet software should solve problems, not create more systems to manage. Befo...
Better Fleet: What an effective fleet software setup actually looks like
A good fleet technology setup does not necessarily mean putting everything in...
Better Fleet: What fleet software actually is and how you can get more value from it
Fleet software should make running vehicles easier. Yet the term now covers s...
Mileage blockers threaten EV pay per-mile tax - but new legislation in the works, says RAC
With just two-years until the UK Government launches its pay per-mile road ta...
Aion UT supermini coming to UK, designed to take on Europe
Chinese car manufacturer, Aion has unveiled its new UT electric supermini, wh...
Longer EV replacement cycles make warranty cover more important
As more early electric vehicles move beyond their original manufacturer prote...
Electric van choice is improving rapidly – fleets should reassess the market
Electric models dominate much of the shortlist for the 2027 International Van...
Mixed-energy fleets need one view of their energy costs
Running petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles can leave fleet managers...