NFDA WELCOMES GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION SEEKING VIEWS ON PROPOSALS TO SUPPORT UK’S TRANSITION TO ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES

“NFDA welcomes the Government's launch of the consultation today, seeking views on proposals to support the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles. The consultation is divided into two parts: one focusing on assessing the phase-out date, and the other on flexibilities and potential updates to the ZEV mandate” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK.

Today, 24 December, the Government has launched a consultation* to ask views from industry on restoring the 2030 phase out date for new petrol and diesel cars and on ensuring a successful transition to zero emissions vehicles. The consultation is split into two parts:

Part 1 is about phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and supporting zero emission transition. It is conducted solely by the UK government and seeks views on:

• options to end the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines from 2030
• potential requirements for new non-zero emission vans to be sold from 2030 to 2035
• consideration of approach for small volume manufacturers
• demand measures to support the uptake of zero emission vehicles

The second part of the consultation is about the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. It is conducted by the UK government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Department for Infrastructure (NI) and seeks views on:

• the existing flexibilities within the ZEV mandate, and consideration of further flexibilities
• other technical updates to the ZEV mandate to ensure its efficiency

The consultation will close at 11:59pm on 18 February 2025.

Robinson added “NFDA remains firmly committed to the UK's transition to electric vehicles and has actively advocated on these issues throughout the year. Earlier this month, the NFDA sent a letter to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP, addressing the ZEV mandate and presenting several policy recommendations, including increased flexibility in extending the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme beyond 2026.

“While this consultation is a positive step, it is vital for the Government to recognize that consumer demand is essential to effectively stimulate the market. We emphasise the importance of introducing demand-side incentives for private consumers to complement this supply-side shift. Additionally, regional disparities must be addressed, as electric vehicle infrastructure in Northern Ireland remains significantly behind that of Great Britain.

“As we approach the new year, this consultation offers a valuable opportunity for the sector to help shape the transition to electric vehicles. NFDA will play an active role in representing its members and supporting consumers throughout the process.”

* Phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and supporting the ZEV transition - GOV.UK