The journey towards an all-electric vehicle future in the UK has been intentionally slowed, following a successful lobbying campaign where automotive leaders warned of severe economic peril. Key players like BMW and Toyota convinced the government that the original Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate was too aggressive for the current market.
The carmakers’ private submissions painted a picture of an industry under duress. They claimed that the UK’s post-Brexit manufacturing climate, combined with a “radical” EV sales quota, threatened to cripple their operations. Toyota specifically projected massive fines that could jeopardize employment at its British factories.
A significant part of their argument centred on consumer behaviour, with manufacturers stating they had overestimated demand for EVs. This miscalculation, they said, led to forced price reductions that were good for consumers but unsustainable for business, thereby hindering long-term investment in UK-based vehicle lines.
In response, the government introduced “flexibilities” into the mandate, a move lauded by the industry as a pragmatic step. However, climate advocates argue this decision undermines a policy that was proven to be working, as all manufacturers had met their initial targets, and it risks increasing national carbon emissions.