Amid a key move to support British automakers and drive the transition to cleaner transportation, the UK government has announced changes to the mandate of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
These ZEV mandate updates aim to provide more flexibility for automakers while keeping the country on track to end sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
Announced as part of a broader strategy to strengthen industrial growth amid global economic uncertainty, the revised ZEV mandate makes it easier for manufacturers to adapt their production lines and meet evolving consumer demand.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that British brands such as Rolls-Royce, Vauxhall and Land Rover will benefit from stability and long-term support in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).
The priority added: “I am determined to support Britain’s brilliance, and now more than ever, UK businesses and workers need a government that step up rather than stand aside.
“It means action, not words, and therefore today I am announcing a bold change in the way we support the automotive industry.
“This will help businesses in their countries to export British cars built by British workers around the world, allowing the industry to return with confidence and pride.”
Flexibility and realism for a smoother transition
Recognizing the complexities of the move to EV manufacturing, the UK government has adjusted its orders for ZEVs to give carmakers more room.
While the Core 2030 target remains, they phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles, but manufacturers will be more flexible about how they meet emissions targets up to deadlines.
Among the major revisions are expansion allowances for hybrid vehicle sales, with models such as the Toyota Prius and Nissan e-Power being permitted until 2035.
Additionally, the rules that allow manufacturers to borrow ZEV credits will continue until 2030, helping them manage their production and innovation timelines more effectively.
This flexibility includes the ability to transfer credits between the van and the vehicle, with a defined ratio to maintain carbon reduction reliability.
EV demand surges as governments double their infrastructure
The UK’s commitment to electrification is highlighted by an increase in EV sales, which exceeded 40% in March compared to last year.
With over 382,000 electric cars on sale in the UK in 2024, the country is currently leading the European market and ranks third in the world.
To support this growth, over 75,000 public EV charge points are already in operation, with new public charge points installed every 29 minutes.
An additional £2.3 billion in public funding is boosting UK EV manufacturing and expanding the country’s charging network. This is supplemented by generous tax incentives aimed at making EV ownership more accessible.
With overnight EV drivers charging at home savings of around £1,100 a year and increasing selection of affordable models, including nearly 30 new electric vehicles under £30,000, the transition to electricity has become increasingly attractive to UK drivers.
Protect the UK icon while embracing change
Nodding to the rich British auto heritage, small and microvolume manufacturers, including luxury marques like McLaren and Aston Martin, will be exempt from ZEV Mandate’s goals.
This approach allows the UK’s high-performance vehicle segment to continue to thrive without compromising the broader propulsion of electrification.
The updated mandate also grants additional time for Van Manufacturers with internal combustion engine (ICE) vans permitted until 2035.
This gradual transition provides essential breathing space for expanding zero emission options to both large producers and supply chains.
Modern industrial strategies to promote the future
The new industrial strategy, which is expected to be fully released this spring, provides a roadmap for leveraging emerging sectors like EVS.
The strategy is expected to focus on ensuring investment, supporting innovation and promoting sustainable economic growth across the UK.
In conjunction with these plans, the government is working closely with the automotive sector to adapt to changing dynamics of global trade.
Especially as new international tariffs came into being from the US, the UK minister has committed to maintaining industrial support during review and ensuring that competitiveness is protected.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added: “We are always advocate for UK businesses. In the face of global economic challenges, we have long been held back by a lack of certainty and direction, and the automotive industry deserves clarity, ambition and leadership, which is exactly what we offer today.
“An ambitious package of strengthening reform protects and creates jobs. This will make the UK a global automotive leader in switching to EVS. It meets the core manifesto’s commitment to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.”
Zev Mandate marks a turning point for the UK auto industry
With the update of ZEV Mandate, the UK government balances ambition and practicality, ensuring that its climate targets remain intact while providing an important breathing chamber for automakers.
As the country accelerates towards a zero-emissions future, the combination of policy flexibility, infrastructure investments and market incentives position the UK as a global leader in electrical mobility.
The changes announced today highlight a unified effort to protect the UK’s automotive industry in the future, induce innovation and bring sustainable growth to future generations.
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