By DCB Editorial, December 30, 2024
The U.K. government has launched an eight-week consultation with automakers to reassess its phaseout plan for new gasoline and diesel cars by 2030, amid concerns about the viability of current electric vehicle (EV) sales quotas. The Department for Transport aims to determine whether built-in flexibilities in the system are sufficient to support manufacturers, as many struggle to meet the quotas.
Zero-emission vehicle mandates, which include penalties for non-compliance, have been criticized by industry leaders. Current targets require 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans sold in 2023 to be zero-emission. However, EVs have only accounted for 18.7% of the market so far this year, with the industry relying on hybrid vehicle credits to meet quotas.
Manufacturers such as Stellantis and Ford have cited EV regulations as a factor in job cuts and factory closures in the U.K., while Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, has warned that consumer demand for EVs is not keeping pace with production.
The consultation will reaffirm the 2030 phase-out goal but will explore further industry support and review hybrid car sales allowances for the 2030–2035 transition period.
