UK May Cut 2030 EV Sales Targets, Risking Higher CO2 Emissions
- Under existing rules, automakers face a mandate requiring 80% of new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles by the end of the decade.
- Andy Burnham’s administration announced the policy review amid ongoing summer heatwaves across the United Kingdom.
- Lowering the electric vehicle sales target from the current 80% threshold to the proposed floor of 50% could add millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide to annual UK...
Under existing rules, automakers face a mandate requiring 80% of new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles by the end of the decade.
Andy Burnham’s administration announced the policy review amid ongoing summer heatwaves across the United Kingdom. Officials are examining multiple regulatory options for the 2030 target, which include maintaining the status quo at 80%, or reducing the threshold to 70%, 60%, or 50%.
Projected Climate Impacts and Emissions Risks
Lowering the electric vehicle sales target from the current 80% threshold to the proposed floor of 50% could add millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide to annual UK emissions, according to findings cited in the government consultation documents.
Next Steps in the Government Consultation Process
The outcome of the consultation will dictate whether the UK adjusts its statutory trajectory for road transport decarbonization ahead of 2030.