More than half of UK dealers believe that recent updates to the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate will help ease short-term pressure on electric vehicle (EV) sales targets, according to the June Startline Used Car Tracker.
The survey shows that 53% of dealers think the revisions offer valuable “breathing space” for the new EV market, while 41% say the updates show the government is paying closer attention to automotive industry concerns.
The government’s adjustments to the ZEV Mandate include several measures aimed at creating a more flexible and realistic pathway toward electrification:
■ Hybrid vehicle sales extended to 2035
Manufacturers are now permitted to continue selling hybrid cars and vans until 2035, rather than the previously proposed 2030 cut-off.
■ ICE vans allowed until 2035
The sale of new vans with internal combustion engines (ICE) is also permitted until 2035, allowing a more gradual commercial transition.
■ Increased flexibility in meeting targets
While core ZEV targets remain (e.g. 28% of car sales and 16% of van sales must be zero emission by 2025), manufacturers will be able to “bank and borrow” credits—allowing EV sales to be shifted to later years when market conditions are more favourable.
■ Exemptions for low-volume manufacturers
Smaller automotive companies, such as Aston Martin and McLaren, are exempt from ZEV compliance requirements. The exemption recognises their limited production scale and the higher technical barriers to electrification.
While dealers have generally welcomed the updates, the Tracker results point to significant ongoing concerns across the EV landscape:
■ 45% say the government must do more to support new EV sales
■ 35% think charging infrastructure remains a key consumer barrier
■ 32% believe the revisions don’t go far enough to shift the market
■ 32% say more support is needed in the used electric car segment
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said the response from dealers reflects a sentiment that the ZEV Mandate changes are “more of a holding pattern than a long-term solution.” He added that some dealers remain cautious, particularly about the used EV market, where past volatility in vehicle values has led to stock losses.
Almost one-third of dealers want the government to address the challenges in the used EV market, which is seen as critical to long-term electrification goals. While values are stabilising, many retailers remain wary, and several have called for incentives or financial support to make used electric vehicles more attractive to buyers.
The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly by APD Global Research and in June surveyed 301 consumers and 66 dealers.
The ZEV Mandate revisions reflect a strategic shift toward flexibility, acknowledging the need for a realistic pace of change across both the new and used EV markets. While targets remain in place, the updated rules give manufacturers room to adapt to evolving consumer demand and production realities. The sector’s call for support in the used EV space points to the growing importance of total lifecycle electrification in achieving the UK’s zero-emissions goals.
Tagged with: ZEV Mandate, electric vehicles, EV policy UK, hybrid vehicle rules, ICE vans, used EV support, Startline Used Car Tracker, charging infrastructure
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
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