Andy Burnham warned ‘no car brands’ believe in 2030 car target

Andy Burnham warned ‘no car brands’ believe in 2030 car target EXCLUSIVE: Andy Burnham has been sent a crucial warning around Labour's 2030 petrol and diesel car ban rules. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Luke Chillingsworth , Cars Reporter 10:01, Sun, Nov 8, 2026 Andy Burnham has been warned over Labour's ZEV Mandate goals (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham has been told that there are “no car brands” that believe Labour’s 2030 electric car target is actually “achievable”.

Labour’s ZEV Mandate rules put specific targets on car sales, with manufacturers told to ensure that a certain percentage of vehicles registered are fully electric each year. Under the current targets, Labour wants to ensure that 33% of all new cars are electric by the end of 2026, before rising to 38% in 2027, 52% in 2028, 66% in 2029 and 80% by 2030. Firms are hit with steep financial penalties for not meeting the target, with bills as high as £12,000 per non-compliant car.

This means the increasing targets are piling pressure on manufacturers, with many being forced to discount vehicles to meet the goal or purchase credits from competitors. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Andy Burnham’s new £210 car tax rule change – starts in April 2027 John Healey announced five Budget changes for drivers - one will leave motorists raging Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family .

Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Firms must ensure 80% of cars sold are EVs (Image: Getty) Speaking exclusively to the Express, Mike Hawes, the Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) stressed that the industry was doing everything it can to keep pace, but warned the consensus was that the targets are still just too ambitious.

Mike told the Express: “The industry is fully committed to decarbonisation, with manufacturers investing billions to bring an ever-growing range of electric vehicles to market - 180 models at last count - and billions more to sell them. “Despite this ambition, demand isn’t keeping up with government targets which were set in very different circumstances. The 2026 headline target is for EVs to comprise 33% of new car sales, whereas the market is at 26.2% - and the targets are set to hike rapidly in the next two years.

Not a single car maker, including those who only make EVs, thinks the mandated target of 80% by 2030 is achievable.” The Department for Transport recently held an official consultation and review into the ZEV mandate goals which could see targets reduced. The DfT stressed that the consultation has now concluded and they are considering responses. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The DfT added that consultation responses will inform the long-committed review of the ZEV mandate to ensure targets were taking a pragmatic and balanced approach to the ZEV transition.

No policy decisions have been made, but the UK government remains committed to the ZEV Mandate, to phasing out new cars relying solely on internal combustion engines by 2030 and to 100% of new car and van sales being zero emission by 2035. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT A DfT spokesperson told the Express: “It has never been easier or cheaper to own an EV – with sales up by 36% in September thanks to our £7.5 billion investment in the market, and nearly 2 million EV drivers saving up to £1,750 a year in running costs.

We recognise manufacturers are facing challenges, and are listening to them as we review the Mandate to ensure it continues to deliver for British consumers and industry.” However, firms are already weighing in, with Renault’s UK boss Adam Wood warning that ministers needed to scale back “delusional” net zero targets which were becoming “unsustainable”. Lisa Brankin, the head of Ford UK, also called for a review. Stressing that sustainable demand for EVs was still short of the targets for both commercial and passenger vehicles.

She added: “The mandate and the market have drifted apart, and that gap is getting wider.” See more of the stories you love from Daily Express and find us easily in Google by making us a Preferred Source. Free and easy-to-do, just click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. Andy Burnham Electric cars Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments