UK poised to water down 2030 EV sales targets after industry and union pressure
Summary
The UK government is planning to reduce its 2030 goals for electric vehicle (EV) sales after pressure from car makers and unions. Instead of 80% of new cars being fully electric by 2030, the target may drop to 50%, allowing more hybrid vehicles to be sold. The ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and the phase-out of hybrids by 2035 will remain.Key Facts
- The UK may lower the 2030 target for fully electric car sales from 80% to 50%.
- Hybrid cars, which combine petrol engines and batteries, would make up a larger share of sales under the new plans.
- The 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars will still apply.
- The government first set the 80% electric car goal in 2023 under the previous Conservative administration.
- The Labour government had already eased rules on plug-in hybrid cars last year.
- EV sales are growing but still below government targets; in May, 27.3% of new UK cars were fully electric, under the required 33% for 2026.
- Carmakers face fines if they don’t meet yearly EV sales targets; fines could reach £11,000 per vehicle according to the Unite union.
- Some industry leaders and investors warn that weakening targets could harm investment in EV infrastructure and slow progress in clean transportation.
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