Skip advert
Advertisement

Electric car sales targets have handcuffed the UK car industry; time to axe the ZEV mandate in 2025

Ellis Hyde explains why he believes the ZEV mandate could actually be doing more harm than good

Opinion - ZEV mandate

The Government recently announced it’s reviewing the controversial ZEV mandate, and is due to report back in January. Here’s my suggestion: let’s just call the whole thing off. 

I fully support encouraging more motorists to steadily switch to electric, in the build-up to new petrol and diesel car sales being banned in 2035. However, doing so without many of the incentives available before has resulted in manufacturers shelling out approximately £4billion worth of discounts on EVs.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Yet they still could be facing fines totalling £1.8billion for not reaching the Government’s arbitrary sales targets, because you can’t force people to buy electric cars if they don’t suit their day-to-day life or simply don’t want one right now.

Which means brands are essentially going to be punished for offering their customers freedom of choice – and that doesn’t sit right with me. 

Of course, money off brand-new, cutting-edge cars is a great benefit for potential buyers already interested in an EV. However it’s obviously not a substantial strategy for any brand, and it’s not the only tactic some have been forced into to avoid more fines. 

And if the Government is gleefully rubbing its hands together, waiting for some fat cheques through the post from manufacturers that were unable to shift enough EVs in 2024, just wait until one or two of them decide the UK market isn’t worth the hassle…

Suddenly you’ll even have more job cuts than the large numbers Ford and Vauxhall are planning, and the VAT contributions from all of their sales will vanish along with them. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved electric cars since I first drove one a couple of years ago, and think they’re a vitally important part of the future of mobility. But they’re just one part, not a cure-all.

Should the ZEV mandate be axed? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Hot new car products: the latest and greatest kit for your car
Osram Night Breaker 220

Hot new car products: the latest and greatest kit for your car

The latest additions to the world of automotive products from floor mats to dash cams...
Product reviews
30 Apr 2025
New Audi TT: electric sports car confirmed for the first time
Audi TT design render (watermarked)

New Audi TT: electric sports car confirmed for the first time

The TT looks set for a sensational comeback thanks to the latest electric technology shared with Porsche
News
16 Apr 2025
How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints
Polestar 3 - front full width

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints

New figures from Polestar cast light on the big questions around EV sustainability and environmental impact compared to petrol cars
News
15 Apr 2025
Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance
Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health
News
14 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025