UK rows back ZEV mandate for hybrids

The UK government has pushed back its zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to 2035 from 2030, and has committed to support carmakers following the imposition of trade barriers by the US last week.

The original ZEV cut-off point of 2030, one of Europe's most ambitious, will still apply to sales of cars powered by gasoline and diesel, but will be extended to 2035 for HEVs. The government will now also let carmakers continue using low-emission non-ZEVs to earn credits toward their ZEV sales targets until 2029, instead of ending this arrangement in 2026. This means they can offset some of their current ZEV requirements with cleaner non-ZEV sales, effectively pushing part of their ZEV sales obligations past the original mandate deadlines.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the changes were made "in the face of global economic challenges".

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) welcomed the changes, saying the government had "rightly listened to industry" and responded quickly to the change in global dynamics.

Over the weekend, Jaguar Land-Rover paused exports to the US while it digested the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs.

"Given the potentially severe headwinds facing manufacturers following the introduction of US tariffs, greater action will almost certainly be needed to safeguard our industry's competitiveness. UK-US negotiations must continue at pace," SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said.

Competition concerns

Other industry groups said delaying the mandate could lead to a loss of competitiveness in the long term transition to EVs.

"Its dilution is in stark contrast to the accelerating ambition of the Chinese and others. UK-based automakers need to fully embrace battery electric or be significantly diminished in time, running the risk of continued job losses," said Dan Caesar, chief executive of Electric Vehicles UK, an industry association based in London.

Some were more resigned, recognising the need to allow room for carmakers to transition and consumers to gain access to low priced vehicles — especially at a time of elevated trade tensions.

"We understand the pressure British car makers face and welcome the government's declaration of support," said Quentin Wilson, founder of EV advocacy group FairCharge. "While we don't agree that hybrids mainly powered by a combustion engine should be included in the ZEV mandate until 2035, we do understand the reasons why, along with increased flexibilities until 2029."

By Thomas Kavanagh

UK BEV monthly market shares, govt targets %