Labour is reportedly considering softening the rules on electric vehicles (EVs) by potentially permitting the continued sale of some hybrid models beyond the initial 2030 deadline.
This shift comes amidst warnings from the automotive industry, which argues that existing targets under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate are overly restrictive and could damage investment in the UK. Whitehall sources have indicated that the government is open to allowing a broader range of hybrids to be sold until 2035, though no final decisions have been made.
Manufacturers are lobbying for changes to the ZEV mandate, which requires 28% of all new car sales to be electric this year. The original plans, which were unveiled in December, would have prohibited the sale of many hybrid models, such as the Range Rover Evoque and Ford Puma, due to their relatively higher CO2 emissions. Current plans prohibit the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030.
These restrictions sought to address concerns that some hybrid models could produce more carbon emissions than the most efficient petrol cars. The Department for Transport originally proposed technical definitions, emissions limits, or average fleet emission limits to control the sales of the more polluting models. One potential approach being considered would limit emissions to 115 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, which would exclude certain popular vehicles, including mild hybrid versions of the Nissan Qashqai and VW Golf.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has acknowledged the situation, promising “substantial changes” following a meeting with Nissan, which has a significant factory in Sunderland. The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has called for recognition of the role that all technologies, including hybrids and hydrogen, can play in decarbonizing road transport.
Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge, stated: “To include all hybrids in the ZEV mandate and not just plug-in versions that can run on battery alone means our Government will have surrendered to intense auto industry lobbying to keep making combustion engines.”
A DfT spokesperson said: “We have been working closely with car manufacturers on how we can support them to deliver the transition to electric vehicles. Our consultation looked at which new hybrid cars can be sold between 2030-35 and we are now carefully considering the feedback before we respond.”
The spokesperson further emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the transition to EVs, stating, “We continue to back the sector by investing over £2.3billion to help the country make a supported switch to EVs, creating high-paid jobs, tapping into a multibillion-pound industry and making the UK a clean energy superpower as part of our Plan for Change.”
