A Government review into whether sales of new petrol and diesel cars should be banned from 2030 will start within a fortnight, GB News can disclose.
Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, ordered the assessment into the electric vehicle mandate after the People’s Channel disclosed up to 40 Labour MPs expressed concerns about the policy’s impact on jobs within the motoring industry.
A source close to Ms Alexander said: “Work on the review is starting in the next couple of weeks, with a view to publishing spring 2027.”
The source said a review of the EV mandate in 2027 had always been planned, adding: “We were always reviewing it in 2027, that’s long been the commitment.”
The source insisted the quotas will not be watered down, but the review might result in “extra flexibilities”.
Under current UK policy, new petrol/diesel cars will be banned from 2030, with all new cars required to be zero-emission by 2035.
Car makers were having to discount the sales of new electric vehicles to hit an ever-increasing proportion of EV sales.
Steve Yemm, Labour MP for Mansfield, told Chopper’s Political Podcast on Friday up to 40 Labour MPs – more than one in 10 of all Labour MPs – had written to the ministers urging a rethink of the targets.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander ordered the review
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Mr Yemm said he met with Ms Alexander to express his concerns on Wednesday last week, saying: “Some of us are really concerned because we meet with workers, we meet with management and we hear the same thing. There’s real unanimity around this question.
“Some of us are very concerned about jobs in our constituencies. And so, we are making our views known to Government.”
Supporters of the mandate say since the Iran war started to threaten petrol and diesel prices, sales of EVs in February have enjoyed a spike.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: “It has never been easier or cheaper to own an EV, especially against the backdrop of high and fluctuating prices at the pumps.“
Labour MPs have expressed concerns about the ban
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“One in four cars sold now is electric.
“Industry is on track to meet the mandate and last year we introduced flexibilities to make it easier for manufacturers who can now comply in several ways – not just through ZEV sales.
“We’re investing over £7.5 billion to support EV manufacturing and our Electric Car Grant is boosting sales, with over 80,000 supported to buy a new EV to date.”