Skip advert
Advertisement

“Extreme electric car sales targets need a rethink”

With Ford announcing it might restrict sales of petrol cars in the UK, editor Paul Barker thinks it’s time for the Government to take another look at its EV targets

Opinion - Ford Mustang Mach-E

I know ludicrous political policies aren’t exactly anything new, but the car industry is in the midst of a doozy at the moment. The Government’s mandate that 22 per cent of new cars from each manufacturer must be fully electric is heading towards the entirely predictable consequence of damaging consumer choice.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Ford has become first maker to break ranks and publicly threaten what many have been predicting for months. With depressing inevitability, the brand has declared that the most cost-efficient way to make sure it’s compliant is to restrict sales of petrol cars. Who could have foreseen that huge fines – £15,000 per car – for not hitting an average that’s way above the natural level of demand would have consequences? Don’t forget, Ford’s only electric car in the UK is currently the Mustang Mach-E.

It’s understandable to try and hustle EV uptake along, but 22 per cent of new cars in 2024, rapidly rising year by year, is way ahead of consumer desire. Desire, let’s not forget, that isn’t being promoted by Government in any meaningful way for private buyers. It’s going the other way, in fact, with London Congestion Charge exemption ending from 25 December 2025 (Merry Christmas!), and EVs having to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (albeit at the lowest rate), rather than it currently being free, from 1 April next year.

The point is, demand is flagging amid some overtly negative mainstream media headlines. A little bit of carrot with the stick would make for better results, and help turn public sentiment towards EVs. Cutting the VAT on public charging to match that of domestic electricity seems like a logical and good-news way to lower costs, and extra use would help provoke investment to grow the infrastructure.

Helping car makers to make EVs more affordable – be it by cutting VAT on new cars or scrappage-style grants – would go a long way to boosting public confidence, and therefore acceptance. The current approach – ending the few available incentives while bashing manufacturers for not selling cars to buyers that don’t exist – doesn’t seem to be working. Time for a rethink?

Do you agree with Paul? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...

Skip advert
Advertisement

As Editor, Paul’s job is to steer the talented group of people that work across Auto Express and Driving Electric, and steer the titles to even bigger and better things by bringing the latest important stories to our readers. Paul has been writing about cars and the car industry since 2000, working for consumer and business magazines as well as freelancing for national newspapers, industry titles and a host of major publications.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025