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

In a letter to the Transport Secretary, 14 NGOs, think tanks and campaign groups, have called on 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.

The groups argue that the mandate is one of the UK’s single biggest carbon saving measures, and that the current flexibilities provided to the car industry are enough. They point out that the law has boosted the EV supply in the UK ahead of Europe and helped bring down prices for consumers. 

But the current uncertainty over the future of the mandate is putting investments at risk, particularly in the charging sector. The Government should instead pursue targeted policies to boost public confidence and demand for EVs, the groups write.

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. 

To find out more, download the letter.