UK electric car sales target set to be weakened
The new target hasn't yet been decided, with different numbers under consideration, the BBC understands.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"Failure to act on the mandate would be an act of self-harm to a sector which is a jewel in the crown of UK manufacturing."
— Sharon Graham , Activist
"Any attempt to water down these targets could send warning signals to these investors about the government's long-term commitment to electrifying our transport network."
— James Alexander , Executive
"The failure to act would have been an act of self-harm to a sector which is a jewel in the crown of UK manufacturing."
— Sharon Graham , Activist
"Investors have been absolutely clear that the ZEV mandate is vital for driving investment into our charging infrastructure."
— James Alexander , Executive
"This is a huge victory. UK car workers have been increasingly fearful for their jobs."
— Sharon Graham , Activist
Key People
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who announced the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
Ed Miliband is a British politician and a member of the Labour Party.
Chief Executive of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association.
British Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.
Business Secretary who advocates for backing British technology companies.
Rishi Sunak is a former Prime Minister of the UK and an adviser to technology companies.
General Secretary of the Unite union.
Vicky Read is the chief executive of ChargeUK, representing charging companies.
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All Coverage
The new target hasn't yet been decided, with different numbers under consideration, the BBC understands.

The UK government is expected to reduce its target for electric vehicle sales after pressure from the industry over feared job losses, according to reports. The zero emission vehicle mandate's requirement that 80% of new car sales are of all-electric models by 2030 is to be reduced to 50%.
The UK government is preparing to consult on less ambitious targets for the transition to fully battery-powered electric cars over the rest of the decade after carmakers and unions warned that they would penalise manufacturers and put jobs at risk.
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Electric vehicle sales targets could be cut after pressure from car makers
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