Toyota Lexus faces struggle to meet UK zero emission mandate

Toyota Lexus, once a pioneer in electrified vehicles, is gearing up to introduce a fully electric line-up in the coming years to try to reclaim its public perception as a leader in automotive powertrain technology.

But the two brands, which have offered hybrid petrol-electric powertrains since the 1990s and were among the first to move away from diesel last decade, face a "very difficult" short-term challenge in the UK Government's proposed zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

The mandate is expected to demand that ZEVs, such as pure electric or expensive hydrogen cars, make up 22% of a manufacturer's 2024 new car sales to avoid receiving huge financial penalties or buying 'credits' from EV-focused rivals.