The United Kingdom could make a strategic shift in its plan to decarbonize vehicles. vehicle decarbonization plan. A report to be presented this week by the Gigafactories Policy Commission will recommend reducing the intermediate target for electric vehicle sales from 80% to 50-60% by 2030.
Currently, the UK’s zero emissions mandate states that by 2035, 100% of new cars sold must be electric. However, the intermediate target of 2030 has been subject to tensions due to industrial and logistical challenges. The commission led by Lord John Hutton proposes a pragmatic approach: temporarily relax the requirements to encourage investment in domestic capabilities.
Electric vehicle sales as a key industry lever
One of the report’s focuses is to strengthen the battery supply chain, a critical link for the country’s future competitiveness in electric mobility. According to the commission, excessive regulatory pressure could deter global manufacturers from setting up gigafactories in the UK.
The document also proposes to review the penalties for manufacturers that do not meet the electric sales percentages, with the aim of creating a more attractive gradual transition environment for the industry.
The European situation as a mirror of change
The United Kingdom’s position is framed in a European context of a review of review of climate targets. Germany and Italy have already successfully lobbied for a relaxation of EU restrictions on the sale of internal combustion vehicles. internal combustion vehicles from 2035.
The Gigafactory Policy Commission was formed in mid-2025 with the mission of charting a viable roadmap for the development of industrial infrastructure geared toward zero-emission vehicles. Lord Hutton has emphasized that “regulatory decisions must be supported by evidence and not ideological posturing.”
Automotive industry facing a change of course
The UK automotive sector has been affected by external factors such as trade barriers with the US, Chinese restrictions on critical inputs and increasing competition from low-cost electric models from Asia. This new approach would seek to strengthen the country’s industrial autonomy.
According to sources close to the report, the proposal is not intended to abandon climate commitments, but to optimize the timing to consolidate a robust domestic industry capable of sustaining the zero-emissions goal more solidly.
Source: Oil Price
Photo: Shutterstock