The ambition of the ZEV mandate must be upheld, NGOs, think tanks and campaign groups tell Government

In a letter, the groups say the Government should continue supporting the EV transition through targeted policies to boost public confidence and demand.

14 NGOs, think tanks and campaign groups have written to the Transport Secretary this morning, urging the Government to uphold the ambition of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, ensuring that existing targets and penalties remain in place and flexibilities remain limited, so as to not undermine the regulation.

Describing the ZEV mandate as one of the UK’s single biggest carbon-saving measures, the signatories highlighted its role in driving EV adoption by boosting the EV supply in the UK ahead of Europe and helping bring down prices for consumers. They also pointed out that the current flexibilities provided to the car industry are enough and caution against watering them down.

But the uncertainty surrounding the mandate’s future is putting vital investments at risk, particularly in the charging sector. The letter calls on the Government to instead pursue targeted policies to boost public confidence and stimulate demand for EVs.

The letter is signed by T&E UK, Greenpeace, EVA England, New AutoMotive, Electric Vehicles UK, FairCharge, Campaign for Better Transport, Green Alliance, Clean Cities Campaign, Social Market Foundation, Friends of the Earth, Climate Group, Onward, and ClientEarth.