The UK government is expected to announce a reduction in its electric vehicle sales targets this week, a decision that industry representatives are likely to support but environmental campaigners will oppose. According to BBC News, ministers have been consulting on changes to the current rules requiring 80% of new cars sold in the UK to be battery-electric by 2030.
The government has faced sustained pressure from carmakers seeking what they describe as "urgent relief" from the existing targets. A government source indicated the administration would handle the matter in a "pragmatic and balanced" manner, though Downing Street has stopped short of confirming any final decision. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh was expected to finalise the plan following a Downing Street meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
Under the existing framework, all new petrol and diesel car sales are scheduled to cease by 2030, with every new vehicle required to produce zero emissions by 2035. The zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which took effect in 2024, sets escalating targets: 33% of sales in 2026, rising to 38% in 2027, 52% in 2028 and 66% in 2029.
What options are being considered?
The consultation, which closed on 23 October 2026, presented several pathways forward. Reports indicate the options included maintaining the existing 80% target, extending flexibilities for manufacturers, or lowering the 2030 target to 70%, 60% or 50%. A report published on 8 November suggested ministers were expected to cut the 2030 target to approximately 60% and extend target flexibilities through 2034.
The automotive industry has argued that the current trajectory is unachievable given market conditions and manufacturing constraints. Industry forecasts show battery-electric cars were projected to represent 27.2% of the market in 2026, falling short of the 33% mandate target for that year.
Why is this decision controversial?
Environmental groups have warned that any weakening of the 2030 target threatens the UK's long-term electrification and climate commitments. Sustainability campaigners argue that reducing ambition now will make it harder to meet net-zero obligations later. The decision also comes alongside government approval of the Jackdaw gas field, leading some observers to interpret the combined moves as prioritising economic considerations over environmental protection.
The debate over the pace of the transition to electric vehicles has divided opinion within government itself, with different ministers holding contrasting views on how quickly the shift should occur.
What happens next?
The government's consultation page indicates the review is part of its commitment to reassess the mandate by early 2027. Following the expected announcement this week, any changes to the targets would reshape the automotive industry's investment and production planning for the remainder of the decade.
