Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Carmakers Demand Govt Uphold ZEV Mandate Targets
Welcome, Net Zero News readers,
In a compelling call to action, an alliance of car manufacturers, charging companies, and stakeholders from the electric vehicle (EV) sector has urged the UK Government to maintain its commitment to Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget. The coalition, known as Electric Vehicles UK (EVUK), is rallying against any potential efforts to dilute the effectiveness of this critical mandate, which serves as a cornerstone of the UK’s electrification journey.
As the nation stands on the brink of a transformative shift towards sustainability, the collective voice of EVUK echoes a sentiment of urgency. This coalition includes notable car manufacturers like Polestar, Volvo, Tesla, Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Changan, alongside energy providers and essential services such as Octopus and Ovo. Together, these industry leaders are dedicated to amplifying the demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) through advocacy, informative campaigns, and immersive consumer experiences, including test-drive events across the UK.
However, the coalition has raised concerns that recent alterations to the ZEV mandate could have dire consequences, estimating a potential loss of up to two million battery EV sales by the year 2030. This alarming prediction underscores the need for the Government to resist the pressure of pre-Budget lobbying aimed at weakening the sales targets for EVs once again in 2025.
Moreover, members of EVUK have cautioned that various policy measures included in the forthcoming Budget could jeopardise both business certainty and the growing economic opportunities within the EV sector. Despite evidence of a robust demand for BEVs, the potential for policy missteps looms large.
The message from EVUK is clear: the UK is on the verge of becoming a leader in the zero emissions vehicle arena. Currently, new battery electric vehicles account for over 25% of all car sales in the UK, with a notable surge in used BEV sales. Surveys reveal a strong commitment among EV drivers, with more than 90% expressing that they would never revert to combustion vehicles. This statistic reflects a significant cultural shift towards electric mobility that must be nurtured and supported.
Dan Caesar, the founder of Electric Vehicles UK, articulated the urgency of the situation: “Tweaks to the ZEV Mandate earlier this year have already been estimated to have cost up to two million battery EV sales out of a projected six million by 2030. The damage inflicted on the nascent EV sector has been substantial.”
He further emphasised, “To further dilute the targets, when the industry as a whole is on track to meet them, would be catastrophic for the industry, its adjacent sectors, and for the UK’s economic growth. Data shows that ‘electrification’ is a global megatrend that the UK must capitalise on, especially as we approach a generationally consequential general election in a few years.”
The call to action has garnered support from prominent figures within the electric car manufacturing landscape. Matt Galvin, the managing director at Polestar UK, stated, “The ZEV mandate is a strong framework that provides certainty and guidance to manufacturers as we work towards the 2030/35 deadline. Car companies have lengthy product planning cycles, and this is not the time to alter a mandate that manufacturers have been preparing for over many years.”
He added, “While there may be temptation to weaken the framework due to pressure from internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturers, a shift in direction could confuse consumers who are increasingly ready to make the switch to electric vehicles. Most importantly, we now possess the technology to eliminate tailpipe emissions on our roads, ultimately saving lives. With significant investments already made by vehicle manufacturers and charging operators, maintaining our course now will ensure we meet our critical climate objectives.”
Nic Thomas, the UK managing director at Changan, echoed these sentiments, asserting, “Reinforcing the ZEV mandate is not merely about regulation; it’s a declaration of the future we aspire to achieve. It’s about making the transition to electric vehicles easier and more accessible for everyone. With over 1.5 million fully electric vehicles already on UK roads, it’s evident that consumers are keenly interested in EVs and ready to embrace the shift.”
He continued, “For this adoption to persist, the transition needs to be perceived as easy, affordable, and accessible. We advocate for continued investment in charging networks, particularly in destination and urban charging, to bolster consumer confidence in the shift to electric mobility.”
As we gaze into the future of transportation, the message from the EVUK coalition is unequivocal: the drive towards zero emissions must remain steadfast, supported by government policy that encourages growth and innovation within the electric vehicle space. The time for action is now, as the UK has the opportunity to solidify its position as a global leader in the electric vehicle revolution.
In conclusion, as we navigate this pivotal moment in the transition to a sustainable future, it is vital for both consumers and manufacturers to unite in advocating for robust policies that support the ZEV mandate. Let us champion the cause of electrification and ensure that the UK remains on a trajectory towards achieving its climate goals, setting a precedent for future generations.
