UK ministers expected to ease the 2030 electric-car sales target
UK ministers are expected to lower the 2030 battery-electric sales target from 80% to about 60% and extend compliance flexibility, although the government says a final decision has not been made.
By TomorrowNews · AI-assisted briefing · Briefing published 9 November 2026
AI-generated illustration — not a photograph of the event. Conceptual editorial rendering, not documentary evidence. · TomorrowNews / AI-generated illustration
Battery-electric cars accounted for 26.6% of UK registrations in the first ten months of 2026, below this year’s headline 33% target before existing flexibilities. Carmakers argue the interim path is unrealistic and threatens investment and jobs.
Environmental groups and some Labour MPs say weakening the mandate would reduce certainty for charging and vehicle investment. The government says its end dates for new petrol- and diesel-only cars in 2030 and 100% zero-emission new car and van sales in 2035 remain in place.
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This is an original summary, not a republication of the full report.