Almost 70 percent of motorists have supported the Government’s decision to rethink the EV mandate (Image: Getty)
A new study has found that nearly 70 % of Brits have welcomed the Government’s plans to reform the current mandate to encourage the after two major manufacturers announced job cuts in the UK.
Whilst the on the road is continuing to grow at a rapid rate, recent weeks have seen several manufacturers voice concerns over plans to ban the sale of new and in the UK by 2030.
Iain Reid, Head of Editorial at the vehicle retail site , highlighted that the shift towards electric is leading to many Brits turning to the growing for .
He explained: “It’s positive that the Government has recognised the current ZEV mandate isn’t fit for purpose and a review is already underway.
“Although the shift to electric vehicles continues to build momentum, many drivers are increasingly looking to secure better deals from manufacturers further afield – with many Chinese manufacturers paving the way for offering advanced models at affordable prices.”
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In November 2024, one in four new cars sold in the UK were fully-electric (Image: Getty)
Under the Government’s current plans, manufacturers will no longer be able to sell cars that use a petrol or diesel enigne by 2030, with hybrids being banned in 2035.
In order to make this possible, the previous Conservative Government introduced a quota on the number of new EVs sold by each manufacturer per year, which currently stands at 22 % for cars and 10 % for vans.
Vehicle companies that fail to meet the quota are subject to a £15,000 fine for each non-compliant car or van that they sold, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) warning that this could lead to a collective £1.8 billion penalty.
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The decision to rethink the mandate comes after Vauxhall announced their Luton plant will close (Image: Getty)
According to a study conducted by Carwow, 67 % of drivers welcome the Government’s decision to relax the rules surrounding the mandate, particularly after companies such as Ford and Vauxhall announced job cuts in the UK.
When asked about how the Government should change the mandate, 77 % of Brits thought that more financial support was required to help companies develop and produce new electric models.
A separate survey conducted by the organisation found that a significant number of motorists are turning to Chinese companies for an electric vehicle, particularly due to the more competitive prices. 32 % of drivers stated that they would consider a Chinese EV for their next car – an increase of 19 % compared to 2023 figures.
Iain stated that more models from countries such as China could continue to enter the UK market in a push to supply more affordable models, highlighting the need for the Government to back local industry.
He added: “As demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, it will be interesting to see which new makes and models enter the sector, as competition between manufacturers continues to build.
“Despite this, the Government’s role in supporting the automotive industry will be key to supporting broader adoption among consumers.”