Dealers call for ZEV relaxation, citing fears over steep sales targets and high fines

A new survey from the Startline Used Car Tracker reveals that almost half of dealers (47%) believe that the ZEV Mandate targets should be relaxed, reflecting a growing consensus that while the future is undoubtedly electric, the path to get there might be longer and more winding than policymakers anticipate.

The UK’s zero-emissions mandate, which require manufacturers to meet increasingly stringent sales targets, are a key part of the nation’s drive to decarbonise transportation. The targets start at 22% in 2024 and rise steeply to 80% by 2030.

However, the survey shows that 52% of dealers think the market needs more time to electrify, with concerns mounting over the financial penalties for non-compliance, which could be as high as £15,000 per vehicle.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, commented: “EV sales are widely perceived to be almost flatlining, so the ZEV Mandate is currently receiving a lot of attention. While manufacturers can defer targets to future years, the ultimate fines are eye-wateringly high.”

Moreover, the Startline survey revealed that 30% of respondents believe manufacturers will end up being fined under the ZEV scheme, and 28% feel the targets are too ambitious.