Government announces changes to ZEV mandate

The government has announced that the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate will be changed.

While the 2030 phase-out date of new petrol and diesel car sales is now confirmed, hybrids and vans can be sold until 2035, and small manufacturers are exempt from the ban.

Fines for vans that fails to comply with EV quotas will also be cut to £15,000.

RHA Senior Policy Lead, Chris Ashley said:

“We recognise that adjusting the ZEV mandate for cars and vans is a pragmatic move to support vehicle manufacturers during bumpy economic times.

"However, this does nothing to address demand considerations, particularly if a ZEV mandate is to apply to coaches and lorries in time."

Chris added:

"For such a policy to succeed, businesses must be able to use the vehicles in a way which makes operational sense. This means ensuring sufficient charging infrastructure is in place, with favourable finance available to make running these vehicles viable.”

The announcement from the government comes in response to “global headwinds” resulting from changes to US tariffs.