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UK government expected to reduce its electric vehicle sales targets
A weaker EV mandate would ease pressure on carmakers, but a significant cut is opposed by environmental groups and reflects shifting economic priorities.
What happened
The UK government's electric vehicle targets are expected to be reduced this week, a move likely to be welcomed by carmakers but opposed by environmental groups. BBC Under current rules, 80% of new cars sold in the UK must be electric by 2030, and the government has been consulting on reducing that 80% requirement. BBC+1 Downing Street has insisted no decision has been made, and a government source said it would approach the issue in a pragmatic and balanced way. BBC Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recused himself from the issue because of his wife's interests. BBC Louise Haigh is reportedly planning deep cuts to the mandates, which would also cover new vans, currently set at 70% by 2030. Pollar
Around it
The speed of the transition to electric has been hotly debated, including within the cabinet, and industry groups have long called for urgent relief. BBC The chancellor, John Healey, trimmed energy department spending by about £3 billion in the October 2026 budget, and carbon capture projects lost £700 million. Pollar Cost of living worries have pushed environmental questions down the agenda, and green issues appear to be losing ground in Britain. Pollar A decision on the Rosebank oilfield is still pending, and an effective ban on new drilling licences currently applies. Pollar
Sources
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