Manufacturers are calling for clarity and support, as the decision to press ahead with a mandate on car sales appears to clash with plans outlined on Wednesday by the prime minister, who said he would push back the date by which consumers will have to buy electric vehicles (EVS) by five years to 2035.
More than 20% of each manufacturer's new cars sold in 2024 must be zero-emission or they will potentially face fines of £15,000 a vehicle, under the targets proposed in a government consultation this year.
Ministers may decide to dilute the requirements but industry leaders have been told plans for some level of sales target are expected to be confirmed this week. It comes despite the prime minister's decision to upend important green policies including by scrapping the 2030 deadline for sales of new combustion engine cars.
The U-turn on 2030 has angered and perplexed much of the industry, which has been working towards the transition to electric but now faces further uncertainty over investment and a delay that could suppress demand for several years.
This story is from the September 22, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the September 22, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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