Nearly half of motor dealers in the UK believe that the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate targets should be eased, indicating concerns over the market’s readiness for electrification.
This sentiment is reflected in the latest findings from the Startline Used Car Tracker, which reveals that 47% of dealers are advocating for more lenient targets.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Compiled by APD Global Research for Startline Motor Finance, the Startline Used Car Tracker is a monthly report that provides insights into the motor industry.
The September edition involved surveys with 307 consumers and 60 dealers, uncovering a range of opinions on the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
The ZEV Mandate outlines progressive targets for zero-emissions vehicle sales, with expectations for EVs to constitute 22% of sales this year, escalating to 80% by 2030.
However, 52% of dealers surveyed believe the market requires additional time to adapt to these changes while 30% predict that manufacturers will likely incur fines for not meeting the stipulated goals.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataFurthermore, 28% of dealers consider the ZEV Mandate targets to be overly ambitious, and 23% speculate that the mandates may eventually be abandoned.
Startline Motor Finance CEO Paul Burgess said: “EV sales are widely perceived to be almost flatlining, so the ZEV Mandate is currently receiving a lot of attention. While manufacturers can defer targets to future years, the ultimate fines are £15,000 per vehicle, which is, obviously, eye-wateringly high.
“It appears that against this backdrop, large numbers of dealers are increasingly sceptical that the ZEV Mandate is a good idea or even that it is practically achievable. They believe something is going to have to give in terms of the targets.
“How likely that is for a Labour government that remains committed to reinstating the 2030 petrol and diesel sales ban is open to question, although there must be some doubt over whether any administration would ultimately impose the kinds of massive fines that might be incurred on one of our most important industries.”
These concerns are compounded by the findings earlier this month, which indicated that only 16% of motorists expect EV prices to drop sufficiently by 2030, aligning with the new government’s timeline for phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles.
The tracker also highlighted that 22% of respondents doubt the adequacy of public charging infrastructure, 21% believe consumers need more time to transition to EVs, and another 21% prefer petrol and diesel cars over electric alternatives.
