Electric vehicle targets 'will not be weakened' despite pressure
Published On Nov 17, 2024, 9:56 AM
The UK transport secretary has reaffirmed that the mandate requiring electric vehicles (EVs) to make up a certain percentage of car sales will not be weakened, despite industry pressure and a downturn in global demand. The current rules require 22% of a firm's car sales to be EVs this year, increasing annually until a total ban on new petrol and diesel cars in 2035. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) predicts that the industry will likely miss this year's EV targets. Talks between government officials and car makers are set to discuss potential concessions regarding penalties for non-compliance with these mandates, amidst calls for government grants and tax changes to support the EV transition.