Electric vehicle rules to be watered down by Labour after 'mass backlash'

James Rodger
·2-min read
Electric vehicle rules to be watered down by Labour after 'mass backlash'
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Electric vehicle targets are expected to be slashed today after a mass backlash from major car brands. Labour Party minister and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is expected to use a speech this evening to announce new flexibilities available to manufacturers as part of the ZEV mandate.

Under the mandate, at least 22% of new cars sold by each manufacturer in the UK this year must be zero-emission, which generally means pure electric. The threshold will rise annually, including to 28% in 2025.

Mr Reynolds will give a speech to the annual dinner of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We do recognise the global challenges the industry are facing, which is why ministers have been getting around the table with key industry figures to discuss how we can ensure the transition delivers for them and the future of UK auto manufacturing.

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“We’ll bring forward a consultation on our proposals in this space in due course and how we implement the 2030 transition deadline and ensure that voices and insights from the industry are heard every step of the way.” Dan Caesar, chief executive of campaign group EVUK, said: “The switch to electric vehicles is creating jobs now and this will increase significantly in the immediate future, and open up opportunities for the UK.

“The Zev mandate is world-leading legislation that will put the UK firmly on the map with green tech investors and send a clear signal that the country means business when it comes to the global energy transition." Mr Caesar went on and said: “Clean air and sustainable employment are surely the legacy we all want, and the existing zero-emission mechanisms are critical.”

Quentin Willson, founder of pro-EV group FairCharge, said: “Ministers should not dilute the UK’s EV ambitions. Long-term government policy has made us the second-most successful EV market in Europe – an advantage we should strengthen, not weaken.

“Our Zev mandate targets are world-leading. Don’t let the intense lobbying from legacy auto ruin them.”

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