British Car Dealers Call for Adjustments to Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate

A survey reveals that UK car dealers want the government to revise ZEV mandate targets, reduce penalties, and extend hybrid sales deadlines. Find out what’s at stake in the ongoing consultation.

British car dealers have urged the government to reconsider the targets set by the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate as part of an ongoing consultation. A survey conducted by Startline Motor Finance revealed that 51% of dealers support easing the requirements for the share of electric vehicles in sales. Additionally, 47% of respondents favor extending the deadline for selling hybrid cars, while 43% believe that interest-free loans should be introduced for EV buyers.

Another major point of discussion is the financial penalties imposed on automakers for failing to meet ZEV targets. Currently, manufacturers face a £15,000 fine per non-compliant vehicle, but 41% of dealers advocate for lowering this penalty. The survey also highlighted concerns within the industry that overly strict environmental regulations could negatively impact the market for traditional cars and complicate the transition to electric mobility.

The debate over ZEV targets is not limited to the UK but is also a pressing issue across Europe. The EU has mandated a ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales starting in 2035, but several countries have set even more ambitious national goals. Norway aims to transition to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2025, the Netherlands by 2030, and France by 2040.

Despite the push for greener policies, not all governments fully support stringent regulations. In Italy, officials have warned that a total ban on ICE vehicles by 2035 could be detrimental to both the industry and the environment. This highlights the need for balanced policies that consider both ecological targets and the economic realities of the automotive sector.

Discussions on potential changes to the UK's ZEV mandate continue, and the outcome could have significant implications not only for the domestic market but also for the global strategy of the automotive industry in its shift toward electrification.

Source: cardealermagazine.co.uk