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The UK’s ZEV mandate was met last year – one way or another

Stellantis, one of the world’s leading car makers, have revealed that in 2024, the company complied with the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate – for both cars and vans.  

The company, whose marques include Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall, sold 39,492 electric cars in 2024 – a 59% increase on 2023 – resulting in a 10.3% share of the electric car market.

Additionally, their van arm, Stellantis Pro One, sold 7,821 electric vans – as many as the next two most productive manufacturers put together. The market share of 35.6% made Stellantis the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer in 2024.

Across their brands, the company offer a choice of 30 electric cars and vans in the UK. 

Despite the fact that Stellantis have complied with the mandate while other manufacturers struggle the company remain convinced that the UK government needs to incentivise the adoption of EV if future targets are to be met. 

Eurig Druce, Group Managing Director, Stellantis UK, said: ‘Stellantis welcomes the UK Government’s consultation on the phase out of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and support for zero-emission transition. Our ambition for 100% zero-emission vehicles is clearly explained in our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan – our goals are aligned.

‘However, despite offering a very comprehensive line-up of popular electric cars and vans, and a strong will and focus on making our EVs as attainable as possible, the steep trajectories of the ZEV mandate are out of step from current demand. Put simply, if the UK is to achieve its transport emission ambitions, and for EVs to represent 80% of new cars sold in 2030, then consumers are going to need more encouragement from Government to do so.’

On the same day as Stellantis made their announcement, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit made the surprising revelation that, according to their analysis, the UK car industry as a whole complied the ZEV Mandate last year.

Colin Walker, Head of Transport at the ECIU said: ‘Suggestions that the car industry was struggling, and that the ZEV mandate target was too onerous, have proven to be wrong, and were often based on a misunderstanding of how the policy actually works.

‘The previous Government, supported by the car industry, designed it to be achieved not only through the sale of EVs, but also through the sale of large numbers of low emission petrol and diesel cars.’

Certainly, sales of EV in 2024 represented just 19.6% of cars sold – against the mandate target of 22% – however manufacturers are also credited for selling high numbers of low emission cars.

When these credits are factored in, the ECIU say the mandate will be seen to have been met. 

In a further defence of the mandate, Walker added: ‘The mandate has provided certainty for investors to pour millions into the charging network and also British renewables which will provide the power. The Government should avoid making any major changes to the mandate as this would jeopardise future investment and jobs, particularly as the car industry seeks to secure its future by making the transition to building the electric vehicles that our export markets increasingly demand.’

 

 

Paul Day
Paul is the editor of Public Sector News.
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