The government is considering significant changes to the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, in a move that could have major implications for the commercial vehicle sector and the transition to zero-emission vans.
Following sustained lobbying from vehicle manufacturers and trade unions, ministers are reportedly weighing proposals to reduce the proportion of new electric vehicles manufacturers must sell by 2030. While much of the debate has focused on passenger cars, any changes to the mandate would also affect van makers and the fleets that are expected to drive much of the UK’s road transport decarbonisation.
The current ZEV Mandate requires manufacturers to steadily increase sales of zero-emission vehicles, culminating in targets of 80% of new car sales and 70% of new van sales by 2030. Reports suggest the government could lower the car target to between 50% and 70%, while allowing hybrids to account for a greater share of the market.
The planned 2030 ban on the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars would remain in place, while the 2035 deadline for ending hybrid sales is also expected to stay unchanged.
The move would represent a significant shift from the current ZEV Mandate trajectory and could have important implications for fleet electrification strategies, charging infrastructure investment and the pace of commercial vehicle decarbonisation.
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