UK ZEV Mandate: electric car sales targets revealed

The long-awaited UK Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate has finally been revealed, confirming targets for new electric car sales starting from 2024.

The ZEV Mandate sets out the percentage of zero-emission EV sales car manufacturers will be required to hit each year up to 2030.

They start out at 22% EV sales in 2024, and increase each year up to 80% new EV sales by 2030.

The new ZEV Mandate "means the country will have the most ambitious regulatory framework for the switch to electric vehicles in the world," say ministers.

Zero emission sales will increase to 100% by 2035, in line with other major countries such as France, Germany and Sweden.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently withdrew a target that only EV, hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars could be sold from 2030 onwards, giving regular ICE cars a stay of execution.

However, the ZEV Mandate was always part of the government’s plans for EV cars, and the confirmed scheme is unchanged from industry expectations.  

"The path to zero emissions vehicles makes sure the route to get there is proportionate, pragmatic and realistic for families," says transport secretary Mark Harper.

"Our mandate provides certainty for manufacturers, benefits drivers by providing more options, and helps grow the economy by creating skilled jobs."

The government has also announced a plug-in van grant of up to £2500 for small vans and £5000 for large vans, and £350 off the cost of home place chargepoints for people living in flats.

The announcements "bring welcome clarity to help support investment in ZEVs and associated technologies and industries," says AA CEO Jakob Pfaudler.

"Over time, and as part of a wider set of policies, it will help the UK’s motorists manage the transition."

It is understood that manufacturers who fail to meet the ZEV Mandate will face fines of up to £15,000 for every car over their target.

However, the government has introduced flexibility through a trading scheme, enabling them to bank compliance in years where they exceed annual targets for use in future years – or trade them with other manufacturers that have fallen short.

In the first year, car manufacturers can borrow for up to 75% of their annual target, falling to 25% in 2026, 'to support them in the early stages'.

ZEV Mandate: annual targets for new electric car sales

• 2024: 22%
• 2025: 28%
• 2026: 33%
• 2027: 38%
• 2028: 52%
• 2029: 66%
• 2030: 80%

ZEV Mandate: annual targets for new electric van sales

• 2024: 10%
• 2025: 16%
• 2026: 24%
• 2027: 34%
• 2028: 46%
• 2029: 58%
• 2030: 70%