Overview
- The SMMT says the mandate’s assumptions are over‑ambitious, noting battery electrics took 23.4% of 2025 registrations versus a 28% requirement, with electric vans at 9.6% against a 16% threshold.
- Manufacturers have used flexibilities and more than £10 billion of EV discounting to comply so far, which the industry calls unsustainable as targets jump to 52% for cars in 2028, 80% by 2030 and effectively 100% in 2035.
- New analysis cites higher costs than expected—batteries about 30% up, UK industrial energy roughly 80% higher since 2021, public charging prices up to around 120–140%—and an EV price premium near 17%, with motorway ultra‑rapid charger targets still incomplete.
- Stellantis warns most EVs sold in the UK are loss‑making and investment could shift without stronger demand, while Volkswagen argues natural uptake will not reach 80% by 2030 and calls for more positive consumer messaging.
- Ministers say industry is complying and point to support including the Electric Car Grant and charger investment, as the SMMT also flags a proposed 2028 pay‑per‑mile levy for EVs (3p per mile) and notes that the EU and Canada have moved to more flexible approaches.