Electric vehicle charging companies have pushed back against reports that the UK Government could weaken its electric car targets. Zest, char.gy and Electrifying.com warn that cutting the 2030 requirement from 80% to 60% of new car sales could deter investment and leave drivers with less choice.
Ministers are reportedly considering the change following pressure from manufacturers concerned about costs, jobs and consumer demand. The charging companies say the infrastructure is already being delivered and should not be blamed for the challenges facing carmakers.
Ministers weigh changes to the ZEV mandate
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of electric cars. There have been reports of disagreements within Government over how far to relax it.
The Government insists no final decision has been taken. It says it remains committed to ending sales of new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel in 2030, with all new car and van sales required to be zero-emission by 2035. A decision on the mandate is expected following further ministerial discussions this week.
Grid charges add to pressure on charging investment
The industry response came a day after the publication of Reverse the Charge, an impact assessment by EV newsletter The Fast Charge in partnership with Zest. It found that the fixed grid charges paid to keep a single rapid charger live have risen by 616% since 2021, from £61.47 a week to £440.13.
The report warns that rapid charging could pass £1 per kWh next year, hitting drivers without off-street parking hardest. It calls on Ofgem to urgently fix the capacity-based billing behind the rise.
Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said: “Investment follows confidence, and confidence depends on certainty. Speculation about weakening the ZEV mandate sends the wrong signal to businesses committing millions to Britain’s electric future.
“The transition needs long-term thinking, not short-term concessions. Ofgem’s disproportionate fixed electricity grid charges are already causing charging projects to be scaled back or shelved. Further uncertainty over EV targets risks delaying investment, slowing progress and ultimately leaving drivers worse off. Together, these pressures make the UK less attractive for investment compared to other markets.”
Investors are also warning that repeated changes to the rules could make Britain a less attractive place to fund new charging infrastructure.
Advocates say electric car targets remain within reach
Manufacturers have warned that demand is not keeping pace with the targets. EV advocates argue the existing rules already give carmakers considerable room to meet their obligations, and almost one in three new cars sold in October was fully electric, according to public data from New AutoMotive.
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of electric car buying and advice site Electrifying.com, said: “Drivers and businesses need a clear road ahead, yet even ministers appear unable to agree on the direction. With increasing uptake of EVs and a growing choice of affordable electric models, now is the time to build confidence, not weaken it and the government must not let private companies dictate environmental policy.
“The ZEV mandate already includes substantial flexibilities and analysis suggests the car market collectively is ahead of its estimated requirement once CO₂ flexibilities are included.”
Calls to address the slower shift to electric vans
Buckley said attention should instead turn to vans: “What does need consideration is vans, given that electric cars and vans are moving at very different speeds, leaving some manufacturers relying on surplus electric car credits to avoid fines on van sales. Purchase grants and charging support already exist, but ministers should assess whether they address businesses’ practical barriers and set a more realistic trajectory for vans.”
Concerns for drivers without driveways
The row also raises questions about the impact on drivers who cannot charge at home and depend on public charging. Climate Global News has previously reported on the VAT burden faced by EV drivers without driveways.
Yann Marston, Chief Revenue Officer at char.gy, said: “The charging network is growing ahead of Government targets and is ready to support more drivers making the switch to electric.
“Keeping ambitious EV targets in place will help ensure drivers have access to more affordable electric cars, particularly those without driveways, who often face the biggest barriers. What drivers need now is more choice and greater confidence, and a consistent policy framework will help deliver both.”
Frequently asked questions
Is the UK cutting its 2030 electric car target?
Ministers are reportedly considering reducing the proportion of new cars that must be electric by 2030 from 80% to 60%. The Government says no final decision has been taken, and a decision is expected following further ministerial discussions.
What is the ZEV mandate?
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of electric cars. The Government says all new car and van sales are required to be zero-emission by 2035.
How much have grid charges for rapid EV chargers risen?
The Reverse the Charge report by The Fast Charge and Zest found fixed grid charges to keep a single rapid charger live have risen by 616% since 2021, from £61.47 a week to £440.13. It warns rapid charging could pass £1 per kWh next year.
Why are charging companies opposed to weaker EV targets?
Zest and char.gy say weaker targets would undermine investor confidence and reduce choice for drivers, particularly those without driveways. They say the charging network is growing ahead of Government targets.
