Some 80% of vehicles sold in the UK by 2030 cannot produce any emissions, the government has confirmed, despite the ban on petrol and diesel cars being delayed.
Under the government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, carmakers will be required to make up a certain proportion of their sales each year with electric and other such vehicles.
Starting at 22% next year, the proportion of car sales that must be electric or non-emitting will hit 80% come 2030, stretching to 100% by 2035 in line with the new petrol and diesel ban date.
The Department for Transport confirmed the plan on Thursday, arguing it could provide certainty for manufacturers and see electric vehicle (EV) sales grow with the availability of charge points.
“The path to zero-emission vehicles announced today makes sure the route to get there is proportionate, pragmatic and realistic for families,” transport secretary Mark Harper said.
Manufacturers could face penalties for missing targets, with previous reports suggesting fines of up to £15,000 per car could be dealt.
According to the government, 20% of cars sold in August were zero-emission vehicles, while the UK had 48,100 publicly available charge points.
Come 2030, the government hopes the number of public charge points will have hit 300,000.