Sadiq Khan opposes plans to lower UK electric vehicle targets

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has joined the debate over government electric vehicle targets by opposing any reduction to the rules. Ministers are currently meeting in Downing Street to decide whether to cut legally binding requirements that demand 80% of cars sold by manufacturers in 2030 must be electric.

The Split

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds wants the 2030 target reduced to 50%, while Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh wants to keep it as close to 80% as possible. City Hall officials have confirmed that Khan supports Fahnbulleh's side, with Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance writing in a letter that London backs a strong and credible zero-emission vehicle mandate.

Potential Impact

The letter warns that weakening current trajectories risks damaging investment in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, while also slowing down the pace of reducing harmful emissions. Department for Transport officials state that no final decision has been made yet, but the government is expected to announce a cut to the 2030 target within the next two weeks, which would put Khan directly at odds with official policy.

Context

Electric vehicle mandates are regulatory tools used by governments to force car manufacturers to shift production toward zero-emission models over time. These policies are central to national climate plans aimed at cutting carbon emissions from the transport sector.