Andy Burnham could tear up electric vehicle script as UK industry on the brink

Andy Burnham could tear up electric vehicle script as UK industry on the brink Andy Burnham could be set to change a massive piece of Labour legislation after demands from the industry reach boiling point. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Luke Chillingsworth , Cars Reporter 15:32, Fri, Aug 7, 2026 Updated: 15:35, Fri, Aug 7, 2026 Andy Burnham could oversee changes to ZEV Mandate targets (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham could be set to completely tear up the UK’s electric vehicle transition with a massive overhaul of the petrol and diesel car ban rules expected. The new Prime Minister could be set to dramatically water down the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate targets after concern from the car industry and manufacturers. Labour is expected to launch an immediate review into ZEV Mandate rules, which could see updates to targets between 2027 and 2035. As things stand, manufacturers must ensure that at least 80% of car sales are fully electric by the end of the decade. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more Subscribe Invalid email 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 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy 'I drove the best-selling electric car in the UK and it was better than a Rolls Royce' Andy Burnham set to oversee new eyetest driving rule as 11 million under threat The UK car industry has called for a review into ZEV Mandate targets (Image: Getty) Manufacturers desperate to meet the targets are being forced to cut costs on new EVs, prompting frustration by car brands and the UK car industry. But a six-week review could cut the goal, with Labour previously considering axing the target to just 50%. Labour had previously rejected calls to look into the UK’s ZEV mandate targets, stressing that a review would be conducted in early 2027. It comes after Mike Hawes, President of the SMMT, dialed up his demands for urgent action to protect the UK car motoring industry. The president said that progress in the UK’s EV transition “cannot be sustained” if manufacturers continue to distort demand by losing billions in EV discounts. Mr Hawes has previously explained that not a single manufacturer based in the UK or beyond believes the regulated 2030 target of 80% was on track. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Mike added: “A sustainable transition will not happen merely by compelling supply when underlying demand is not keeping pace despite year-on-year growth. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT There are fears EV sales are not keeping up with the UK's targets (Image: Getty) “We need urgent reform of the regulation, else Britain risks undermining its competitiveness and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on this industry.” Ford have been among the top manufacturers calling for officials to look into the policy, with UK boss Lisa Brankin previously warning that the gap between customer demand and mandate targets was “getting wider” She added: “Ford believes in a zero-emissions future. That isn't in question. What is in question is whether the current policy path reflects how people actually buy and use vehicles today.” Express.co.uk has contacted the Department for Transport for comment. Andy Burnham Electric cars Petrol Diesel Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments