As of last Wednesday, the government’s Department for Transport (DfT) has implemented new regulations requiring car manufacturers to sell a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles, which mainly refers to electric vehicles (EVs).
Under the new mandate, car makers must ensure that at least 22% of vehicles sold are zero-emission, or they will be required to pay the government £15,000 for each vehicle sold that exceeds pollution regulations. This percentage requirement will gradually increase annually, reaching 100% by 2035. Additionally, there is a 10% criterion for van sales this year.
This mandate, a devolved policy, was developed in collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, the governments of Scotland, and Wales.
The government’s technology and decarbonisation minister Anthony Browne stated, “Our zero-emission vehicle mandate will further bolster the economy and support manufacturers to protect skilled British jobs in the automotive industry, alongside the £2bn investment in the transition to electric vehicles. We are providing investment certainty for the charging sector to expand our charging network, which has already grown by 44% since last year, supporting the increasing number of EVs in the UK, currently accounting for over 16% of the new UK car market.”
Chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mike Hawes, acknowledged the importance of the zero-emission vehicles mandate in achieving net zero, stating, “The industry is investing billions in decarbonisation.”
On the same day the bill was passed, it was revealed that the government’s target for EV charges near motorways had been missed. The Department for Transport (DfT) had set a goal for every motorway service area in England to have at least six quick or ultra-rapid chargers by the end of 2023.
But new analysis found that only 39% of the 119 sites met the target. Despite this, the DfT noted that the number of public charge points is “surging across the country”.