SMMT calls for zero emission vehicles review: comment

 “It has been confirmed today that the car industry exceeded its EV sales targets in 2024 [2]. Analysis indicates it also exceeded them in 2025 [3], and it already appears to be on course to do so again in 2026 [4], despite some in the industry having inaccurately claimed otherwise.

“At a time when oil has hit $100 a barrel, petrol prices are going up and concerns are being raised about the UK’s energy security, weakening the mandate would slow the shift to EVs, and leave British drivers paying higher prices and exposed to this kind of global instability. It could also undermine investor confidence, and see billions of pounds of investment in the nation’s charging infrastructure, and wider economy, being held back”. 

Notes to editors:

1. SMMT: https://www.smmt.co.uk/smarter-route-to-ev-transition-needed-as-market-reality-bites/ 

2. Department for Transport: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vehicle-emissions-trading-schemes-vets-final-compliance-information-2024

3. ECIU: https://eciu.net/media/press-releases/car-industry-on-course-to-meet-ev-sales-targets-in-2025-analysis 

4. ECIU: https://eciu.net/media/press-releases/new-automotive-february-new-car-sales-data-comment 

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, t: 020 8156 5305, m: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net