Government launches review of ZEV mandate: comment

 “This review is nothing new, and was scheduled from the moment the Government’s EV sales targets were introduced in January 2024. 

“The ZEV Mandate has incentivised car manufacturers to lower their prices as they compete for sales to hit their EV sales targets. This has driven up sales [2], and enabled more families to access the savings that come from EV ownership, and shield themselves from the dramatic rise in petrol and diesel prices we are seeing as a result of war in Iran. Meanwhile, petrol car drivers face the prospect of their annual fuel bills increasing by hundreds of pounds.[3] 

“Weakening the mandate would weaken this dynamic in the midst of an energy crisis, slowing the UK’s transition to vehicles that will reduce its dependence on oil, and better protect its drivers from shocks in global energy markets over which we have no control. One of the best things the Government can do to enhance its energy security is accelerate its switch to electric vehicles, powered by electrons generated by British wind and solar farms. The ZEV Mandate is a crucial tool in achieving that goal”.