UK government remains firm on 2035 zero emission vehicle targets but mulling softer pathway

The UK government has today launched its consultation on the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which provides headline target values for ZEV sales for each manufacturer in the UK, culminating in a 100% ZEV target by 2035. The targets have faced pushback from OEMs and their representatives in the UK in recent years for the rapid trajectory they set, though OEMs have succeeded in meeting its demands. The UK’s 2026 YTD EV penetration rate (including PHEVs) exceeds 33%, ahead of Germany, France, Italy and Spain.