Science news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Ministers weigh easing electric car sales targets ahead of climate summit
Ministers are reportedly preparing to ease the UK’s targets for electric vehicle sales, as Andy Burnham heads to a global climate summit in Turkey. The possible change highlights a tension between a more cautious domestic approach to Net Zero and the Government’s stated aim of leading international climate action.
The Zero Emission Vehicles mandate requires EVs to make up 28 per cent of new car sales in 2025 and 33 per cent in 2026, rising to 80 per cent by 2030. New petrol and diesel-only cars are due to be phased out from 2030, with hybrids following by 2035. Industry groups say the targets are too demanding and warn they could deter investment; it remains unclear whether ministers will announce a change before the summit.
In short
- Ministers may ease the 2030 electric car sales target.
- The current mandate rises to 80 per cent of new car sales.
- Industry groups warn the rules could deter investment.
Explained simply
The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicles mandate sets minimum shares of new cars that must be electric, with the required share rising over time. It is part of the country’s wider plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, known as Net Zero.
The rules also set a timetable for ending sales of new petrol and diesel-only cars, followed by hybrids. Ministers set the targets, while carmakers and industry groups have called for changes, saying the requirements could affect investment.
The issue connects domestic transport policy with the UK’s international climate commitments. Andy Burnham is due to attend a global climate summit in Turkey, where governments discuss action on climate change.
Climate Geopolitics Government Politics Science UK World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Burnham’s mixed signals on Net Zero: Ministers ‘finally poised to cut EV targets’ as PM heads for climate summit”.