SMMT calls for ZEV Mandate reform as government consultation nears close
The car and van makers' trade body wants a more realistic trajectory for car and van targets, more compliance flexibility, and government incentives to lift demand and speed up affordable charging rollout. It says manufacturers cannot keep discounting electric vehicles indefinitely to meet the mandate.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has told government that the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate must be reformed, as the consultation on the regulation draws to a close. In its CEO Update of 23 October, SMMT said "industry is committed to the destination, but we need a route that is sustainable and realistic".
SMMT set out what it wants from the review: "Reform of the regulation must deliver a more realistic trajectory for cars and vans, improved flexibilities to support compliance and government incentives that increase demand and compel a faster rollout of affordable, reliable charging." It presented the measures as a single package rather than a menu, saying they "are not optional items but a wholesale package of measures that will deliver the ambition without damaging an industry".
According to SMMT, manufacturers have invested billions to bring some 180 battery electric models to market, and billions more in subsidies to sell them at the scale demanded. It said that support has helped put almost 455,000 battery electric vehicles on UK roads this year, which it called substantial progress, but progress that has come at considerable cost.
SMMT said demand is growing but remains well short of the mandated targets, which rise steeply over the next two years. "Manufacturers cannot continue to make up that shortfall indefinitely by discounting, as cost factors and global events add to the immense pressure on the sector," it said.
Beyond the mandate, SMMT said the UK's high energy costs must also be addressed. It described the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme as an important first step and urged eligible companies to apply before the 30 November deadline.
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