The Government won't lower its electric vehicle (EV) production targets for car and van manufacturers, despite growing industry pressure, says Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh. The Department for Transport's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, requires 22% of cars and 10% of vans sold by manufacturers to be electric in 2024.
The mandate prescribes higher percentages of EVs each year this decade, with a total ban on new petrol and diesel car sales in 2030. It is designed to address risks linked to sales-volume uncertainty and product investment cycles.
Manufacturers face fines of £15,000 per vehicle sold outside the target, though alternative compliance measures are available. 
Ministers have held discussions this week with manufacturers operating in the UK. These were preceded by Haigh stating that the Government would consider “flexibilities”, but emphasising the mandate’s strength, in a radio interview on 17 November “We are not diluting our ambition,” she said.
