UK Electric Car Targets: SMMT Asks for a Realistic Route to 2030
The UK government's review of its electric car sales targets has closed. The consultation on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate ended on 23 October 2026. On the same day the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) set out what carmakers want: a slower trajectory, more flexibility, purchase incentives, faster charger roll-out and lower energy costs.
Key takeaways
- The review was opened on 14 August 2026 and closed on 23 October 2026.
- The mandate rises from 33% zero-emission new cars in 2026 to 80% in 2030.
- Battery electric cars took 26.2% of the UK market in the first nine months of 2026.
- The SMMT says makers cannot keep closing the gap with discounts.
Where the targets stand
The ZEV mandate sets the share of each maker's new car sales that must be zero emission at the tailpipe. Companies that fall short can use credits, borrow against later years or pay fines, so the yearly figure is not a hard floor in showrooms, but it shapes prices and supply.
| Year | Zero-emission share of new cars |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 33% |
| 2027 | 38% |
| 2028 | 52% |
| 2029 | 66% |
| 2030 | 80% |
For vans the target reaches 70% in 2030. New cars that run only on petrol or diesel are due to leave sale in 2030, and all new cars and vans must be zero emission from 2035.
What the SMMT is asking for
The SMMT counts some 180 battery electric models on sale and almost 455,000 new electric cars on UK roads in 2026 so far. That is growth, but below the mandated share. In its update the trade body wrote that "industry is committed to the destination, but we need a route that is sustainable and realistic." It also warned that "Manufacturers cannot continue to make up that shortfall indefinitely by discounting".
Its list of requests covers a more realistic trajectory for cars and vans and more ways to comply. It also wants incentives to lift private demand, faster delivery of affordable public charging and action on the high cost of energy in the UK.
The September figures
September, a number-plate change month, showed both sides of the picture. The SMMT recorded 350,536 new car registrations, up 12.0%, of which 99,201 were battery electric, a 28.3% share and a record month. Over January to September, 454,947 electric cars were registered, 26.2% of the market, still below the 33% headline target for the year.
What it means for buyers
Until the government publishes its response, the rules for 2026 stay as they are. In practice that keeps the pressure on brands to sell electric cars, which is why large discounts on new EVs continue alongside the Electric Car Grant of up to £3,750 (2026, about €4,460) on eligible models. If the trajectory is softened, those discounts could shrink. Buyers who have found a good deal on an electric car have little reason to wait for the outcome.
Browse battery models in our electric cars section and put two of them side by side with the comparison tool.
Sources
- SMMT: Industry needs a viable path to zero emission mobility (23 Oct 2026) (accessed 27 Oct 2026)
- SMMT: Record electric car market powers bumper September (5 Oct 2026) (accessed 27 Oct 2026)
- Carwow: UK government launches review of electric car sales targets (14 Aug 2026) (accessed 27 Oct 2026)
- Carwow: Electric Car Grant latest (13 Oct 2026) (accessed 27 Oct 2026)
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