By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2026-08-14 15:26:47 | Updated at 2026-08-14 16:18:56
1 hour ago
Labour has confirmed that it remains committed to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by the end of the decade, as it considers overhauling a number of its electric car targets.
The Government published a consultation about the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate this afternoon as it considers relaxing many targets to protect British businesses.
One of the key differences proposed is to ease the 2030 deadline to have 80 per cent of car sales be electric, with options to maintain this target or reduce it to as little as 50 per cent.
The consultation document states that the UK Government remains committed to ending the sale of new cars that rely entirely on internal combustion engines by 2030.
READ MORE: Labour outlines major changes to electric car targets despite massive industry backlash
It acknowledged that changes had been made to the original target by allowing new cars that were "at least hybridised in some manner" to remain on sale past 2030.
Cars powered by petrol or diesel do not meet this definition, nor do those classed as mild hybrid electric vehicles.
The consultation stated that the Government was "unwavering" in its phase-out of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, while all new cars and vans must be zero emission by 2035.
The Department for Transport added that the 2030 phase-out data was "critical" for longer-term consumer confidence and investment signals.
The Government has confirmed its intention to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030
GETTY
Anna Krajinska, T&E UK Director, warned that slashing the 2030 electric vehicle sales target would "leave Britain behind in the global electric race".
She noted that it could also lead to three million fewer EVs on our roads, while also "locking drivers into years of expensive and volatile petrol and diesel prices".
The consultation aims to hear views on how the UK will get to a place where it can successfully phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by the end of the decade.
It also asks whether the existing annual targets for manufacturers remain appropriate, with a goal to review the ZEV mandate by 2027.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles will remain on sale, alongside electric cars, until 2035
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "The automotive industry is fully committed to a zero-emission future, investing billions in new technologies, products and incentives.
"However, with the ZEV mandate conceived under vastly different conditions, this welcome review is a timely opportunity to adjust the transition so it works for all.
"That means a commercially sustainable transition which supports UK competitiveness, investment and jobs whilst delivering greater choice and affordability for motorists - the sooner, the better."
The consultation launched today (August 14) and will end on October 23, 2026.
