The Government has confirmed that the government would relax its electric vehicle targets following the imposition of tariffs by the US.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexandra confirmed that Manufacturers will have more leeway with annual targets of how many EVs they sell, while the ban on the sale of hybrid vehicles will start in 2035.
This government will leave no stone unturned in protecting the interests of British businesses.” Alexander had said earlier in the day adding
“We’re giving British car-makers certainty and support on the transition to electric vehicles as we set out plans to back industry in the face of global economic headwinds today.”
Under existing rules, carmakers that miss the ZEV mandate target in a given year would be required to pay £15,000 for every car required to reach that target. This will now be paused until 2030, allowing manufacturers that miss the targets to make up for it in later years and so avoiding fines.
Sir Keir Starmer also said he was cutting any fines by 20 per cent to £12,000.
Hybrid cars including those that don’t need to be plugged in — will continue to be able to be sold until 2035.
The sale of new pure petrol and diesel, however, will however still be banned in 2030
Work vans that run on petrol and diesel will continue to be able to be sold until 2035, the prime minister announced.
The changes to the rules will also exempt “small and micro-volume” manufacturers — supercar brands including McLaren and Aston Martin — from the mandate targets,
