The UK government has launched a consultation on cutting the new electric vehicle sales target for 2030 from 80% to as little as 50%, in proposals that the Guardian reports could raise future carbon dioxide emissions.
Key facts
- A consultation launched Friday considers cutting the 2030 EV sales target from 80% of new cars, according to the Guardian and BBC.
- Options include leaving the target unchanged, or cutting it to 70%, 60% or 50%.
- The change could add millions of tonnes a year to future UK CO2 emissions, according to the Guardian.
- The BBC reports the move follows pressure from car makers.
- The consultation comes amid UK heatwaves, the Guardian reports.
The government has said it will look at cutting electric vehicle sales targets, in proposals that could add millions of tonnes a year to the UK’s future carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Guardian.
The government launched a consultation on Friday on cutting the target for new EVs to as little as 50% of all new cars in 2030, down from 80% under existing rules.
The consultation will include several options, the Guardian reports. These include leaving the headline target unchanged, or cutting it to 70%, 60% or 50%.
The BBC reports that the potential change comes after pressure from car makers, with the government considering cutting the new electric car sales target from 80% to 50% by 2030.
The Guardian notes that a reduction to as little as 50% could add millions of tonnes a year to the UK’s future carbon dioxide emissions. The move comes amid UK heatwaves.
The consultation sets out a range of options rather than a single fixed proposal, leaving open the possibility that the existing 80% target could remain unchanged.
Why it matters
Electric vehicle sales targets are a central lever in the UK's plans to cut transport emissions, so any reduction could have a significant impact on future carbon output. The proposals highlight the tension between industry pressures from car makers and climate commitments, especially as the country experiences heatwaves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current EV sales target being reviewed?
The existing rules set a target of 80% of all new cars being electric vehicles in 2030. The consultation considers cutting this to as little as 50%.
What options are being consulted on?
According to the Guardian, the options include leaving the headline target unchanged, or cutting it to 70%, 60% or 50%.
Why is the government considering the change?
The BBC reports the move follows pressure from car makers.