UK ministers expected to ease EV sales mandate amid climate objections

Ministers were expected to lower the UK’s 2030 electric-car sales requirement to about 60%, down from 80%, the Guardian reported on 8 November 2026, citing government insiders. Louise Haigh was expected to resolve departmental disagreements and approve longer compliance flexibilities, extending them to 2034. A government spokesperson said no decisions had been made and reaffirmed the 2035 zero-emission sales commitment.

Carmakers argued that demand was falling short of mandated levels. Industry body SMMT put battery-electric cars at 26.6% of new-car sales in the first 10 months of 2026, against a 33% annual target. The report noted that compliance exemptions allow manufacturers to avoid fines despite missing headline targets. Labour MPs and charging operators opposed weakening the requirements.

The stakes extend beyond manufacturers’ compliance costs. The report described the mandate as contributing nearly 14% of the UK’s pledged emissions reductions for 2028–2032. Charging businesses also depend on growing EV sales: ChargeUK warned that weakening the requirements would put £1.7bn of infrastructure investment at risk, an industry claim rather than an established outcome.