UK Outlines Pathway to Zero-Emission Driving by 2035
On August 14, 2026, the UK government formally launched a consultation reviewing the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, inviting automakers, suppliers, charging operators, dealers, consumers and communities to submit views and jointly shape the pathway to ending sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and achieving 100% zero-emission new cars and vans by 2035. The consultation will run until October 23, 2026, and aims to ensure policy targets support investment, jobs and industry competitiveness while accounting for global market shifts and industrial realities.
The consultation document was jointly published by the Department for Transport, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology. The government made clear that while the end goals—ending new fossil-fuel car sales in 2030 and full zero emissions in 2035—remain unchanged, annual sales targets will be dynamically adjusted in light of the current complex global economic environment, including supply chain disruptions, tariffs and trade uncertainty, to keep the policy "pro-business and pragmatic" and preserve the global appeal of UK automotive manufacturing.
Data show the UK's electrification transition is accelerating: July 2026 delivered the strongest new-car market performance since 2019, with electric vehicles accounting for more than a quarter of new-car sales, up 45% year on year, and the total number of registered EVs in the UK surpassing two million. The government stressed that EV and petrol-car prices are converging, and EV owners save roughly £1,400 a year in running costs.
The UK government has committed a total of £7.5 billion to support the transition, including: £4 billion for the "DRIVE35" programme; £3.5 billion for van, truck and car subsidies, including an EV purchase grant of up to £3,750 per vehicle, which has already benefited more than 160,000 buyers; and £600 million in new funding for charging infrastructure, on top of a previous £400 million plan, expected to add over 100,000 public charge points across the UK (the public network currently has 120,000, with over one million at homes and workplaces). A home-charging installation grant of up to £500 can cut installation costs by nearly half.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said the industry has invested billions, but the market conditions under which the ZEV mandate was designed have changed significantly, and the review is a "timely and welcome" opportunity to adjust the pace of transition, ensure commercial sustainability, and protect competitiveness, jobs and consumer choice.
The government pledged to deliver the review results promptly to provide the industry with clear expectations. During the consultation, stakeholders may submit written comments through official channels. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "The goals are fixed, but we must bring businesses along every step of the way—today marks the start of industry's role in shaping the pathway." Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised that the move is part of "rejuvenating British industry and delivering good growth across every region," ensuring the mandate continues to support investment, innovation and competitiveness.
Source：https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/vGUHpX0FhOCZMR3MvK0efg