UK GOV Reviews Zero-Emission Vehicle Targets for 2035
The UK's transition to electric vehicles has reached another important stage, with the Government launching a new review of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate and the pathway towards zero-emission driving by 2035.
Published on 14 August 2026, the consultation is looking at whether the annual electric vehicle sales targets placed on manufacturers remain appropriate, as the automotive industry works towards two major milestones: phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and achieving 100% zero-emission new car and van sales by 2035.
In this guide, we'll discuss: what the ZEV Mandate is, what is being reviewed, and if this could change anything for current and future EV drivers.
What Is the UK Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate?
The Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, commonly known as the ZEV Mandate, requires vehicle manufacturers to ensure an increasing proportion of the new cars and vans they sell are zero-emission vehicles.
Introduced in the UK in 2024, the mandate is designed to steadily increase the number of electric vehicles entering the market - rather than relying on one sudden switch at the end of the decade. Manufacturers have annual targets alongside a system of flexibilities to help them comply.
The long-term objective is clear, in 2035 all new cars and vans sold are expected to be fully zero-emission.
The new consultation isn't announcing the cancellation of this target. Instead, it asks whether manufacturer targets leading up to 2035 remain viable.
Why Is the Government Reviewing EV Targets?
The automotive industry has changed significantly since the original ZEV Mandate was developed.
EV technology has progressed, the number of electric cars available to UK buyers has increased, and the public charging network has expanded considerably. At the same time, manufacturers continue to face challenges including global supply-chain disruption, international tariffs, trade uncertainty, and the substantial cost of transitioning vehicle production towards electric models.
The Government says manufacturers are currently on track to meet their targets, but it wants the regulations to remain practical while supporting UK manufacturing, jobs, and investment.
This makes the review less about questioning whether the UK should transition to electric vehicles and more about how that transition should happen between now and 2035.
UK Electric Vehicle Sales Continue to Grow
The review arrives at an interesting point for the UK EV market.
According to figures highlighted by the Government, 'more than 1 in 4 new cars sold are now electric and EV sales are up 45% on July last year – accelerating the UK’s transition to cleaner transport and net zero.'
That's a significant change from the early years of EV ownership, when electric cars represented a relatively small section of the UK market.
Today, drivers have considerably more choice, from affordable electric hatchbacks, to SUVs, luxury EVs, electric vans, and longer range models.
Read the full UK GOV ZEV Mandate review.
Could the 2030 Petrol and Diesel Car Ban Change?
One of the biggest questions motorists may have is whether this review means the 2030 petrol and diesel phase-out is being postponed.
The Government states 'new petrol and diesel cars will be phased out by 2030 and all new cars and vans will need to be fully zero emission by 2035. The consultation asks for views on how the UK gets there and whether the existing annual targets for manufacturers remain appropriate and deliver the long-standing commitment to review the ZEV Mandate by 2027.'
The review could ultimately result in adjustments to how manufacturers meet the targets, but it should not currently be interpreted as the Government abandoning its 2035 zero-emission goal.
Home Charging Will Remain an Important Part of the Transition
Public rapid charging receives plenty of attention, but home EV charging remains one of the most convenient options for drivers with suitable off-street parking.
The Government currently estimates that 'drivers who charge at home can save around £1,400 a year on running costs and landlords, flat owners and renters can now almost halve the cost of installing a home charger thanks to government grants of up to £500.'
For many EV owners, a typical charging routine could therefore involve home charging for everyday journeys, and rapid public chargers when travelling longer distances.
When Will We Know the Outcome?
The ZEV Mandate review consultation runs until 23 October 2026 and is open to input from: manufacturers, suppliers, charge point operators, dealerships, consumers, and communities. Feedback can be given either as an individual or as an organisation.
Until the Government publishes its conclusions, motorists and businesses shouldn't assume that current annual targets will change.
What we do know is that the overall direction remains firmly set towards zero-emission transport.
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