Labour has issued a rare update on the future of the UK’s petrol and diesel car ban just years before new rules are set to come into effect. Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander doubled down on Labour’s plan to press ahead with car ban legislation, announcing the future of UK roads was “zero emission”.
Under the current rules, officials will ban most manufacturers from building brand new petrol and diesel models under strict new Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate policies from 2030. Brands will instead have to focus on selling electric vehicles, with only hybrid cars and certain low volume petrol and diesel models allowed after the end of the decade.
The news has led to concerns among manufacturers as the latest data shows EV market shares are falling. Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire called on the Government to reconsider the ZEV Mandate rules, stressing customers simply “do not want EVs”.
However, Labour declined the calls to take action and revealed they intended to push on with the plan regardless of any opposition.
Heidi said: “I am afraid that is just not true. Compared with 2024, EV sales increased by nearly a quarter in 2025, and nine in 10 drivers who switch would recommend an EV thanks to ease of use and a quieter, smoother driving experience. All the evidence suggests that once people get an electric vehicle, they never look back.”
Earlier this month, Xavier Martinet, president of Hyundai Europe called on the UK Government to have a ”reality check” and reconsider the mandate. Stellantis is also among the biggest manufacturers pushing back against the scheme, previously blasting ZEV rules as a “terrible” idea.
The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has also called for a review of a policy that was putting strain on manufacturers.
The minister added: “To drive investment in car manufacturing, this Government must provide some certainty about the direction of travel, and there is no doubt that the future is zero emission. We are working with the industry to deliver a successful transition, which is why we made the adjustments—the new flexibilities —that I announced last April.
“It is also why, in conjunction with the devolved Governments, we have announced that a review of the ZEV mandate will start later this year.”
