The UK government has launched a review of its Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, asking manufacturers, suppliers, charging companies, dealers and motorists to comment on how the transition to electric vehicles should develop.

The consultation closes on 23 October 2026. The government says the final objectives remain unchanged: sales of new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel are due to end in 2030, while all new cars and vans should be zero emission by 2035.

Why the Rules Are Being Reviewed

The mandate requires manufacturers to ensure that an increasing proportion of their new vehicle sales are zero emission.

However, the automotive industry is operating in more difficult conditions than when the policy was originally designed. Supply-chain disruption, trade uncertainty, manufacturing costs and uneven consumer demand have increased pressure on carmakers.

The review will therefore examine whether the annual requirements remain practical while still supporting the long-term transition.

Electric Car Sales Are Growing

The consultation arrives as EV demand continues to increase. Government figures show that more than one in four new cars sold in the UK are now electric.

EV sales in July 2026 were 45% higher than a year earlier, while more than two million electric vehicles are registered on UK roads.

Financial support is also continuing. The Electric Car Grant provides eligible buyers with up to approximately €4,380 towards a new EV.

More than 160,000 motorists have already used the scheme.

The government estimates that drivers able to charge at home could save up to around €1,635 a year in running costs.

More Than €8.7 Billion in Support

The government says approximately €8.76 billion is being committed to expanding the EV market, manufacturing and charging network.

Around €4.67 billion is allocated to DRIVE35 projects supporting automotive manufacturing and technology.

A further approximately €4.09 billion covers grants for cars, vans and trucks, EV incentives and charging infrastructure.

These euro conversions use the ECB reference rate for 19 August 2026, when €1 equalled 0.85608 in UK currency.

Charging Infrastructure Is Expanding

The UK already has around 120,000 public charging points, alongside more than one million chargers installed at homes and workplaces.

Approximately €701 million is being directed towards further charging expansion.

That comes on top of around €467 million already committed to delivering more than 100,000 additional public chargers.

Renters, apartment owners and landlords can also receive support of up to approximately €584 towards installing a residential charger.

Industry Wants More Flexibility

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders supports the transition but argues that regulation should better reflect commercial realities.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the review provides an opportunity to adjust the pathway so it supports affordability, investment, employment and competitiveness.

Manufacturers already have certain flexibilities within the existing mandate, while the government has previously committed to reviewing how the system operates.

What Happens Next

The government will collect written responses and continue discussions with the automotive sector before deciding whether annual targets need adjustment.