UK Expected 2030 EV Target Cut to 60%

The UK government is expected to lower its 2030 electric-vehicle sales target from 80% to about 60% and extend rules giving automakers flexibility to meet the mandate until 2034, though officials say no decision has been made. The current policy requires all new cars to be zero-emission by 2035, while new petrol- and diesel-only cars are due to be phased out by 2030. Carmakers say weak demand and industry pressures make the existing targets difficult to meet; battery-electric vehicles accounted for 26.6% of new car sales, below the 33% benchmark cited for 2026. A reduction could ease pressure on automakers but has drawn concern from Labour MPs and environmental groups, who warn it could weaken the UK’s climate ambitions and slow electrification.