POLL: Do you support Government’s new Zero Emission Vehicle mandate?

The UK Government has launched a consultation on its plans for a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. As part of the new Powering Up Britain Strategy, manufacturers will be required for electric vehicles (EVs) to make up a minimum proportion of all sales in a bid to increase their uptake ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles. But do you support the ZEV mandate? Vote in our poll.

Proposed ZEV targets suggest that from 2024, car manufacturers will need to ensure that a minimum percentage of 22 percent of new car sales are zero emissions. This will be increased to 80 percent by 2030 and towards 100 percent by 2035. Such targets coincide with the phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles.

The Government’s consultation was launched on Thursday morning, March 30, and will run until May 24, evaluating how the final ZEV mandate will work in practice. The preferred ZEV mandate is estimated to cost around £101billion, but could bring in £145billion in benefits.

READ MORE: Electric car prices may drop thanks to new ZEV mandate

EV campaign group FairCharge has called for the Government to ensure there are no compromises on the  ZEV mandate to achieve net-zero goals. Founder Quentin Wilson said he was “delighted” the Government had not “watered down” the ZEV mandate.

He added: “We know the Government has read our many letters and listened to feedback from our meetings with ministers to stay strong on future EV production targets and we’re delighted that they haven’t caved into vested interests. 

“These targets will send a clear message to the EV sector that UK electrification of road transport is here to stay and will benefit future generations with more highly skilled jobs, greater levels of investment, more charging infrastructure and cleaner urban air. This is a good day for British drivers.”

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Managing director of LV= ElectriX Guy Spence also welcomed the proposed ZEV mandate. He said: “The requirement for car manufacturers to sell a certain number of electric cars is good news for the British driving community. As ever, the devil is in the detail – it’s essential that the plans are bold enough and there aren’t any loopholes that may jeopardise results. 

“If done right, the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate will help us reach price parity of electric vehicles with petrol and diesel cars sooner. It should also increase the makes and models of electric cars available and will have the longer-term benefit of a more buoyant second-hand market for electric cars, making EVs more affordable across our communities.

So what do YOU think? Do you support the Government’s new ZEV mandate? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.