The UK Government is calling on the automotive and charging industries to help shape the nation’s transition to zero-emission vehicles as it pushes ahead with a 2030 phase-out for new petrol and diesel cars.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has launched a consultation to restore clarity to the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) transition.
This move seeks to reignite confidence among manufacturers and investors, following a period of uncertainty under previous policies.
More than two-thirds of UK carmakers, including major players like Nissan and Stellantis, are already committed to making the switch to electric vehicles by the original 2030 deadline.
The consultation invites industry input on measures to ensure the transition is smooth, economically beneficial, and environmentally impactful.
Central to the plans is the ZEV Mandate, which determines the annual percentage of zero-emission vehicles manufacturers must sell.
Flexibilities within the mandate allow for tailored compliance, giving manufacturers room to adapt while meeting ambitious targets.
The UK automotive sector employs over 152,000 people and contributes £19 billion annually to the economy.
The shift to electric vehicles represents an unprecedented opportunity to attract investment, create high-quality jobs, and boost British innovation.
Electric vehicles are also becoming more affordable, with running costs as low as 2p per mile and one in three used EVs now priced under £20,000.
Government support is already in motion, with over £2.3 billion invested to back domestic manufacturers and accelerate consumer uptake of EVs.
Private sector contributions, projected to reach £6 billion by 2030, are driving the expansion of the UK’s charging network, which now boasts over 72,000 public chargepoints.
The public charging infrastructure is growing at pace, with an average of 56 chargers added daily in 2024.
Local authorities are set to deliver an additional 100,000 chargers through the Local EV Infrastructure Fund, ensuring a robust network to support rising EV adoption.
Consultations will also tackle barriers to expanding zero-emission van fleets, a critical step in decarbonising freight and delivery services.
Planned changes to planning laws and streamlined processes for chargepoint installation aim to further accelerate progress.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the transition’s economic and environmental potential, noting its role in reducing air pollution, supporting British manufacturing, and creating skilled jobs.
Drivers are embracing the change, with one in four new cars sold in November being electric—a 58% increase from the same time last year.
Surveys reveal that 97% of EV owners would not revert to petrol or diesel vehicles, underscoring the shift’s success.
The government’s commitment to clean energy and net-zero goals aligns with a broader mission to make Britain a global leader in sustainable innovation.
By working hand-in-hand with industry, the UK aims to secure a prosperous and cleaner future for generations to come.
