British government to cut 2030 EV sales target to 50%

The British government is preparing to significantly weaken its flagship electric vehicle sales targets following sustained pressure from industry and unions, a move that marks a substantial retreat from its net zero ambitions and represents a political setback for Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Officials are expected to slash the key 2030 target for electric car sales from 80% to 50% as they revise the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

The policy shift, expected to be confirmed in an announcement within weeks, comes after warnings that the current trajectory threatens the automotive manufacturing sector with factory closures and job losses. The ZEV mandate, originally introduced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government, has imposed escalating annual sales quotas for electric vehicles on manufacturers since 2024, with fines of up to £12,000 for every internal combustion engine vehicle sold over the limit. Industry estimates suggest the policy has already cost manufacturers approximately £10 billion over two years through compliance measures, incentives, and discounting programs aimed at boosting sluggish consumer demand.

Trade unions and business leaders argued the...