The UK government is reviewing its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires all new car sales to be fully electric by 2035. This reassessment has raised concerns among industry stakeholders about the potential financial consequences if the government weakens the transition to electric vehicles.

ChargeUK, the trade organization representing electric vehicle (EV) charging providers, has warned that diluting the mandate could disrupt private investment in charging infrastructure. Shane Brennan, chief executive of ChargeUK, wrote to Chancellor John Healey and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasizing that members have committed billions of pounds to expand charging networks based on the current legal framework. He argued that weakening the mandate would undermine the expected growth in electric car sales, potentially reducing the number of EVs sold by over four million by 2035. This, in turn, could leave charging operators with fewer customers and force them to reconsider their investment plans.

Brennan outlined three possible responses by charging providers if the mandate is eased: scaling back or delaying new charger installations, increasing prices for users without home charging options, or renegotiating contracts with local councils. He further cautioned that the government’s consultation appears to overlook the incompatibility between lowering EV sales targets while expecting the same level of public charging infrastructure. This mismatch could lead to increased demands on public funding to cover infrastructure shortfalls.

Currently, the UK has approximately 122,000 public EV chargers, with the government’s £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (Levi) fund aimed at delivering an additional 100,000 chargers in England. The industry hopes private investment will boost the total number of public chargers to over half a million by 2035.

The review of the mandate also includes consideration of lowering the 2030 target for electric vehicle sales from 80% to as low as 50%. Some car manufacturers have expressed doubts about the feasibility of the current goals, citing slow consumer adoption. In a recent statement, François Provost, CEO of Renault, called for scrapping the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel car sales, describing it as a barrier to securing a trade deal with the European Union.

The Department for Transport reiterated its commitment to the ZEV mandate but said the consultation process is designed to ensure a "pragmatic and balanced approach" to the transition. The consultation closes this week, with a final decision expected next year as the government seeks to balance environmental objectives with industry and consumer realities.