UK Government Upholds Electric Vehicle Targets

The UK government is maintaining strict electric vehicle (EV) sales targets despite significant pressure from car manufacturers to delay penalties until 2026, which could lead to fines of £15,000 for each non-compliant vehicle starting in 2024. Industry leaders, including Nissan and Ford, have expressed concerns over the potential impact on jobs and investment, with Ford announcing cuts of 800 positions in the UK, citing challenging market conditions and regulatory pressures. Currently, EVs represent only 18% of new car sales, short of the 22% target for 2024, raising fears that the automotive sector may struggle to meet future mandates. Nissan warned that not addressing the targets could lead to irreversible damage to the UK automotive industry, as manufacturers may be forced to subsidize EV sectors abroad. While the government has signaled openness to minor adjustments, it is committed to its timeline, with a complete ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The situation reflects a broader tension between ambitious climate commitments and the realities facing the automotive industry.