Britain will begin reviewing its electric vehicle sales targets earlier than planned, the government said, responding to sustained pressure from carmakers while stressing that its long-term plan to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 remains unchanged.
The review, which will start next year instead of in 2027, will focus on the country’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, a policy that requires an increasing proportion of new car sales to be electric each year. The mandate is designed to support the transition to electric mobility ahead of the 2035 deadline.
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Industry minister Chris McDonald confirmed the accelerated timetable, saying the government wanted to move quickly. “The ZEV mandate review starts next year … and of course we’d want to complete that review as quickly as we can,” McDonald said in an interview with the Financial Times.
The review is expected to examine whether the mandate is aligned with current market demand, manufacturing capacity and investment conditions. Previously, the government had said the review would be published in early 2027, with industry groups assuming the process itself would begin that year.
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The ZEV mandate has become a focal point of tension between policymakers and automakers, as electric vehicle uptake has lagged official targets. Industry data show that around 23% of new cars sold in the UK this year were battery-electric, below the government’s target of 28%. The mandated share is due to rise to 80% by 2030, requiring a sharp acceleration in adoption.
Earlier this year, the government adjusted parts of the mandate, including reducing penalties for manufacturers that miss interim targets, after companies warned of job losses and investment risks. Carmakers have said weak demand has forced them to offer heavy discounts to meet regulatory thresholds. Stellantis, for example, closed its Luton van plant in March after previously warning it could shut the site rather than invest in electric van production.
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Pressure on UK manufacturers has intensified as they invest heavily in electrification while facing rising competition from lower-cost electric models, including vehicles from Chinese brands such as BYD. To stimulate demand, the government recently introduced an Electric Car Grant, offering subsidies of up to £3,750 for qualifying vehicles.
Two senior automotive executives told the Financial Times that bringing the review forward was “good news”, but said a rapid conclusion was essential to provide planning certainty for future investment.
The UK move mirrors developments in the European Union, where the European Commission has also advanced a review of its automotive policies. British officials, however, have sought to draw a clear line under speculation about a policy reversal.
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“We remain committed to phasing out all new non-zero emission car and van sales by 2035,” a Department for Transport spokesperson said, adding that the UK has reinstated its 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, while allowing full and plug-in hybrid models to be sold until 2035.