UK Government Cuts 2030 Electric Vehicle Sales Targets

The UK government is expected to significantly lower its 2030 electric vehicle sales targets following a dispute between the transport, energy, and business departments. Louise Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, is slated to finalize a plan that reduces the interim target from 80% to approximately 60% and extends regulatory flexibilities until 2034.

The policy shift follows warnings from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that current targets are unattainable due to inflation and low consumer demand. Industry data shows battery electric vehicles accounted for only 26.6% of new car sales in the first 10 months of the year. While Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds argued for a further reduction to 50%, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander reportedly favored the 60% mark.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham recused himself from the decision because his wife holds an advisory role at the EV charging network Be.EV. The move has drawn criticism from environmental groups and Labour MPs, who argue it undermines the national green agenda. Additionally, ChargeUK warned that weakening the mandate risks jeopardizing 1.7 billion pounds in planned charging infrastructure investment.