Louise Haigh and the 2030 EV target: what's actually being decided

Multiple outlets reported over the weekend that the UK government is expected to cut its 2030 zero-emission vehicle sales target from 80% to around 60%. The government says no decision has been taken.

Louise Haigh, described in the reports as the de facto deputy prime minister, is expected to finalise the plan after a meeting in Downing Street on Wednesday 11 November 2026. A government spokesperson told Reuters the government is united in its commitment to the ZEV mandate and that no decisions have been taken.

The mandate, introduced in 2024, requires 22% of new cars and 10% of vans to be zero-emission in its first year. The car target rises to 28% in 2025, 33% in 2026, 38% in 2027, 52% in 2028, 66% in 2029 and 80% in 2030, with a 100% target by 2035.

The Times and The Independent reported the 2030 target could fall to as little as 50%. The BBC reported the government will hold a consultation on the new target, with numbers ranging from 50% to 70% under consideration, meaning a final decision could take months. One report said Haigh will probably approve a target of about 60% and extend the mandate's flexibilities until 2034.

The mandate sets the demand curve for electric vehicles in the UK, affecting carmakers, charging infrastructure, battery supply chains and the country's climate goals. A weaker 2030 target would relieve pressure on manufacturers but could slow the transition to electric vehicles and anger campaigners, charging companies and some Labour MPs.

What the government has not said is whether it will confirm a new 2030 target, what percentage it will choose, or whether flexibilities will be extended to 2034. Until ministers announce a decision, the 80% target remains in place.