The U.K. may change its 2030 ZEV mandate target, with a decision aimed for early 2027.
Why it matters: A weaker manufacturer sales requirement could affect automakers' investment plans and charging-network expansion. The possible change concerns the ZEV mandate, not necessarily the government's separate 2030 and 2035 phase-out commitments.
- No decision had been announced as of November 10, 2026, and no revised target or statutory instrument had been published.
- The current ZEV mandate requires manufacturers to sell zero-emission cars equal to 33% of new-car sales in 2026, rising to 80% in 2030 and 100% in 2035.
- The Guardian reported options including a 50%, 60% or 70% 2030 mandate target, or retaining 80% while extending compliance flexibilities to 2034.
- Battery-electric vehicles represented 26.6% of U.K. new-car sales in the first 10 months of 2026, a market-share figure distinct from the mandate target.
The government could revise the U.K.'s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, or ZEV mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell a specified share of new vehicles with zero emissions. That remains a reported possibility rather than a decided outcome. No decision had been announced as of November 10, 2026.
On November 9, 2026, a government spokesperson said, "The government is united in its commitment to the ZEV mandate and no decisions have been taken." No revised target or statutory instrument had been published as of November 10. A statutory instrument is a legal instrument used to amend or implement legislation.
Under the current Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes rules, manufacturers must reach a 33% zero-emission share of new-car sales in 2026, rising to 80% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. Van targets are 24% in 2026, 70% in 2030 and 100% in 2035.
The mandate also includes compliance flexibilities, which allow manufacturers to meet obligations through mechanisms such as credits or other adjustments rather than only direct sales in a given year.
That differs from market data: battery-electric vehicles accounted for 26.6% of U.K. new-car sales in the first 10 months of 2026. The figure is a market share, while 33% is the 2026 manufacturer obligation.
The Guardian reported options including a 50%, 60% or 70% 2030 target, or keeping 80% while extending flexibilities to 2034. It reported that government sources viewed about 60%, with extended flexibilities, as the likeliest outcome. The government has not confirmed those options.
The mandate review separately states the government's commitment to ending sales of new cars relying solely on petrol or diesel by 2030 and making all new cars and vans zero-emission by 2035.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said, "The gap between demand and mandated targets continues to widen." ChargeUK chief executive Shane Brennan said weakening the mandate could put £1.7 billion of charging-infrastructure investment at risk, an estimate attributed to ChargeUK and reported by The Guardian.
The review launched on August 14, 2026, with responses due October 23, 2026, and a stated aim of determining the mandate's future operation by early 2027.
By the numbers
- 33% - current 2026 zero-emission car sales obligation for manufacturers
- 80% - current 2030 ZEV mandate target for cars
- £1.7 billion - charging-infrastructure investment ChargeUK says could be at risk
Yes, but: The reported 50%, 60% and 70% options, as well as the flexibility proposal and the £1.7 billion estimate, are attributed to The Guardian's reporting or ChargeUK; the government has not confirmed the options.
What's next: The government aims to determine the mandate's future operation by early 2027. The review's consultation responses were due October 23, 2026.