Britain has opened a review of its zero-emission vehicle rules, raising the possibility that manufacturers could face a less demanding sales target by 2030.

The consultation, launched on August 14, 2026, examines whether the current timetable remains workable as the automotive industry deals with supply-chain disruption, trade uncertainty and uneven consumer demand.

The government says the review is intended to preserve the longer-term transition while considering additional flexibility for manufacturers.

Current Targets Rise Quickly

Under the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, carmakers must ensure that an increasing share of their annual new-car sales consists of zero-emission models.

The scheduled target for cars is 33% in 2026, followed by 38% in 2027, 52% in 2028 and 66% in 2029. It then rises to 80% in 2030, with the framework reaching 100% by 2035.

The system is designed to accelerate the move towards electric vehicles while giving manufacturers a defined timetable for adapting their model ranges and investment plans.

However, carmakers have argued that the transition is being complicated by factors outside their direct control, including supply constraints and uncertainty over how quickly consumers will switch to electric cars.

Several Alternatives Are Under Review

The new consultation is examining the existing yearly targets, the effectiveness of current compliance flexibilities and alternative approaches that could address problems identified in the present system. It also considers the route towards ending sales of new cars powered solely by internal combustion engines from 2030 and achieving 100% zero-emission new-car and van sales by 2035.

According to the proposal reported when the review was announced, several possible pathways could reduce the 2030 requirement while retaining the 2035 endpoint. Another option would preserve the existing trajectory but give manufacturers greater flexibility in meeting it.

The consultation remains open until October 23, 2026, meaning no final change to the targets has yet been confirmed.

Manufacturers Face A Difficult Balance

The debate reflects a broader challenge for the car industry. Manufacturers are investing heavily in electric models, batteries and production facilities, but sales growth depends on buyers being willing and able to make the switch.

Vehicle prices, financing, access to charging and the availability of suitable models can all influence demand. Even when electric-car registrations rise, manufacturers still have to match regulatory requirements across their entire annual sales mix.

The existing scheme already includes compliance mechanisms intended to give companies some flexibility, and the government review is specifically assessing how effectively those measures are working.

Electric Car Demand Is Growing

The review does not mean that Britain’s electric-car market has stopped expanding. Government figures released with the consultation showed that more than one in four new cars being sold was electric, while EV sales in July 2026 were 45% higher than a year earlier.

More recent August data also indicated continued growth. New AutoMotive recorded 27,876 battery-electric registrations during the month, giving fully electric cars around a 30% market share.

What Happens Next

For now, the existing targets remain in place. The consultation is gathering evidence from manufacturers, suppliers, charging companies, dealers, consumers and other groups before any amendments are considered.

Any eventual change could affect manufacturers’ product strategies and investment decisions through the end of the decade. The key issue under review is not whether Britain continues moving towards zero-emission vehicles, but how quickly annual sales requirements should increase on the path to 2035.