UK Government sets out pathway for zero emission vehicle transition by 2035

The UK government has set a pathway towards all new cars and vans being zero emissions by 2035. This pioneering mandate has now become law since the 3rd of January 2024. The mandate is expected to help both the car and manufacturing industries to safeguard jobs and staff certainty.      

The zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate sets out the percentage of new zero emission cars and vans manufacturers will be required to produce each year up to 2030. 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain will now be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035. 

Akira Kirton, bp pulse UK Vice President, said, “this mandate instils confidence in our strategy, reaffirming our plans to invest £1 billion over 10 years to continue to develop hundreds of EV charging hubs across the country by 2030 to bolster the UK’s charging infrastructure.” 

Back in September 2023, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, had pushed back the ban on new diesel and petrol cars to 2035, due to concerns around high costs, availability of new electric cars, lack of charging infrastructure and practicality for small businesses. However, by making the mandate law, the government hopes this demonstrates a firm commitment towards their pathway for zero emission vehicle transition by 2035. Also, placing the UK in line with other major global economies such as Canada, France, Germany and Sweden. 

The EV charging network continues to grow within the UK, according to Zapmap, the UK has surpassed 50,000 charge points, reaffirming confidence in the UK’s target of providing 300,000 charge points by 2030. The ZEV mandate will help provide the stability the industry requires, build confidence to invest in more infrastructure, and providing long-term certainty to continue growth.  

Find out more: Pathway for zero emission vehicle transition by 2035 becomes law – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)