On Aug. 14, the UK government launched a consultation on its zero-emission vehicle mandate, seeking industry views on phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
The review asks vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, charge-point operators, dealers, consumers and communities how the UK should reach 100% zero-emission new car and van sales by 2035. The consultation, launched by the UK and devolved governments, will run until Oct. 23.
The government said the review comes as more than 1 in 4 new cars sold are electric, with electric vehicle sales up 45% on July 2025. More than 2 million EVs are registered on UK roads, and July marked the strongest new car market since 2019, it said.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the end goal had not changed, but targets should be kept under review. "The UK EV market is strong — sales are up, British manufacturers and charge point operators are investing billions, alongside our backing of £7.5 billion, including our Electric Car Grant that has helped over 160,000 people make the switch. It’s right we keep targets under review to ensure they’re practical and back British industry. The end goal hasn’t changed – but we need to take business with us on the journey and that’s exactly what we’re doing today by making sure industry has the chance to shape how we get there,” she said.
The government said manufacturers are on track to meet their 2025 targets and have built-in flexibilities, but cited supply chain disruption and tariff and trade uncertainty as reasons to review whether targets remain practical.
The UK is investing £7.5 billion to support the market, manufacturing, EV sales and charging infrastructure, including £4 billion for DRIVE35 projects and £3.5 billion for van, truck and car grants, the Electric Car Grant and charging. The Electric Car Grant offers up to £3,750 off a new EV and has helped more than 160,000 drivers since launching in July 2025, the government said.
The government also said drivers switching to EVs can save up to £1,400 a year on running costs. It is investing £600 million to expand charging, adding to 120,000 public charge points and more than a million in homes and workplaces.
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