Wednesday 3 January 2024

UK zero emission vehicle mandate takes effect today

The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate comes into effect in the UK, requiring 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans to be zero emission by 2030, escalating to 100% by 2035.

The mandate, backed by over £2 billion in government investment, aims to boost the economy, support manufacturers and ensure a cleaner, greener future.

The legislation is expected to provide certainty for the charging sector, accelerating the expansion of the charging network, currently at over 50,000 public chargepoints.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: "Alongside us having spent more than £2 billion in the transition to electric vehicles, our zero emission vehicle mandate will further boost the economy and support manufacturers to safeguard skilled British jobs in the automotive industry."

In response to the news, David Hall, Vice President of Power Systems at Schneider Electric UK&I, commented: "With the ZEV mandate coming in effect today, there's a heightened sense of urgency.

"Utility companies face pressure to accelerate the connection of low carbon technologies to the grid, enhancing its flexibility.

"To achieve this, there is an urgent need for improved planning to enable a more rapid integration of renewables into the energy mix and provide greater incentives for long term energy storage.

"This in turn will boost private investment and speed up the UK’s commitment to a net zero electricity system by 2035."