On November 9, reports indicated that the UK government plans to reduce the target for zero-emission vehicles' share of new car sales in 2030 from the current 80% to approximately 60%, and to extend compliance flexibility measures for automakers through 2034.
UK Deputy Prime Minister Louise Haigh is expected to finalize the relevant proposals following a meeting scheduled for this Wednesday.
However, a UK government spokesperson stated that no final decision has been made yet.
Under the UK's current Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, automakers must ensure that zero-emission vehicles account for 33% of new car sales in 2026, rising to 80% by 2030 and reaching 100% by 2035.
But the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that pure electric vehicles have accounted for only 26.6% of UK new car sales so far this year, falling short of the 33% annual target.
Automakers argue that supply chain disruptions and weak consumer demand have made it more difficult to meet existing sales targets, and have called on the government to make substantive adjustments.
The UK government had already launched a policy review in August to ease the transition pressure on automakers.
Despite considering a reduction in the 2030 interim target, the government has stated it will maintain the final requirements of ending the sale of pure petrol and diesel new cars by 2030, and achieving zero emissions for all new cars and vans sold by 2035.
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