The UK government is poised to ease its 2030 targets for electric vehicle sales, sparking debate over the impact on jobs and emissions. A report suggests that ministers are preparing to water down the requirements, which could see hybrid vehicles account for a larger proportion of new car sales.
According to sources, the revised proposals would soften the mandate for pure electric cars from 80% by 2030 to 50% by the end of the decade. This change is said to be in response to industry pressure and concerns that current targets could penalise manufacturers and jeopardise jobs.
The existing ban on new petrol or diesel car sales would remain, with hybrid electric vehicles making up the remaining 50% of sales. The government has maintained that this move does not backtrack on its commitment to net-zero targets, but rather acknowledges the challenges facing the automotive industry.
Industry insiders have welcomed the reported change, citing the need for flexibility in meeting emissions targets. However, environmental campaigners have expressed dismay, warning that increased hybrid vehicle sales could lead to higher emissions and undermine efforts to transition to cleaner transport.
The UK's electric vehicle sales have struggled to meet government targets, with battery electric vehicles making up just 27.3% of new car registrations in May – short of the 33% mandate set for 2026 sales. Manufacturers have had to resort to significant discounts to boost EV sales, as production costs remain higher than anticipated.
The Unite union has hailed the reported change as a "huge victory" for workers in the automotive sector, who face potential fines of up to £11,000 per vehicle if manufacturers fail to meet emissions targets. However, businesses within the EV charging sector have expressed concerns over the impact on investment and job creation in the sector.