As it is now, all car brands in England must sell at least 22 percent electric cars before the end of the year. But that is unrealistic, and now the government wants to relax the requirement.
The UK government has decided to reconsider the requirement that 22 percent of all new cars in 2024 must be electric cars.
The decision comes after widespread criticism from the car industry, which has described the target as unrealistic. The rule is part of the country's efforts to phase out combustion engines by 2030, but a lack of demand for electric cars has made the goals difficult to achieve.
Automakers have already changed their electrification strategies in response to the challenging market, and now it seems the UK government is ready to adjust its requirements.
In a fashion with senior representatives from the auto industry, Commerce Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said he will involve them in a process to find better solutions to the current rules.
– We will consult you on changes to the ZEV mandate and invite dialogue on options for a better way forward, Reynolds said, according to Bloomberg, during a dinner organized by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
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However, he emphasized at the same time that the plan to phase out internal combustion engines in 2030 is still in place. However, that limit has fluctuated several times between 2030 and 2035. In fact, as recently as this year.
The rule of 22 percent electric cars in 2024 has proven difficult to live up to, as motorists' interest in and in electric cars is not high enough.
According to the car brands, the situation has been worsened by the decision to abolish subsidies for electric cars. It happened in England in 2022.
And now, in just one month, the industry has reached the required targets. To avoid stalls of up to £15,000 per excess car, some car brands have chosen to limit the supply of petrol and diesel cars or to cut the price of electric cars on their own.
However, the plan will be even tighter in the coming years, with the target increasing to 28 percent for cars in 2025 and up to 80 percent in 2030. According to Reynolds, the government is aware of the need for support for the industry if motorists are to buy electric cars.
– The Ministry of Transport and I have heard you clearly and clearly about the need for support to make this transition a success, he told the assembly.
At the same time, the government maintains that hybrid cars will be allowed until 2035, which gives manufacturers and consumers a little more time to adapt to the new requirements.
