UK government set to ease 2030 EV sales targets amid industry pressure

The UK government is reportedly preparing to soften its 2030 targets for electric vehicle sales, a move that has drawn praise from unions and the auto industry. Intense lobbying has led ministers to consider reducing the mandate for pure electric cars from 80% of sales to 50% by the end of the decade.

Under the proposed changes, hybrid vehicles could account for a larger portion of sales in the interim. However, the government maintains that the 2030 ban on new purely petrol or diesel cars will still be enforced. The 2035 deadline for phasing out hybrid cars is also expected to remain unchanged.

This potential revision marks the second time the current government has eased EV sales rules. Last year, regulations were adjusted to permit longer sales of plug-in hybrids, a decision that environmental campaigners criticized for potentially increasing emissions. Manufacturers have cited the high production costs of EVs and the need for significant discounts to meet sales targets, warning that the current mandate could lead to substantial fines per vehicle and jeopardize jobs.

Unite, a prominent union in the sector, has hailed the reported change as a "huge victory." General Secretary Sharon Graham stated that car workers had feared for their jobs, and that failing to act would have been "self-harm" to a vital manufacturing sector. The union is urging a swift conclusion to the consultation process.

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The failure to act would have been an act of self-harm to a sector which is a jewel in the crown of UK manufacturing.