Charging industry hits back as ministers consider slashing electric car targets
Posted by: electime 12th November 2026
Charging bosses hit back at claims Britain isn’t ready for electric cars as Government considers cutting its 2030 target from 80% to just 60%. Britain’s electric car industry has hit back at suggestions the Government could dramatically weaken its EV targets, warning that motorists and investors could pay the price.
The warning comes a day after Reverse the Charge, an impact assessment by EV newsletter The Fast Charge in partnership with Zest, found that the fixed grid charges paid to keep a single rapid charger live have risen by 616% since 2021, from £61.47 a week to £440.13. The report warns that rapid charging could pass £1 per kWh next year, hitting drivers without off-street parking hardest, and calls on Ofgem to urgently fix the capacity-based billing behind the rise.
Ministers are reportedly considering slashing the proportion of new cars that must be electric by 2030 from 80% to just 60%, following pressure from manufacturers concerned about costs, jobs and consumer demand.
But charging bosses insist the infrastructure is already being delivered and should not be blamed for the challenges facing carmakers.
Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said:
“Investment follows confidence, and confidence depends on certainty. Speculation about weakening the ZEV mandate sends the wrong signal to businesses committing millions to Britain’s electric future.
“The transition needs long-term thinking, not short-term concessions. Ofgem’s disproportionate fixed electricity grid charges are already causing charging projects to be scaled back or shelved. Further uncertainty over EV targets risks delaying investment, slowing progress and ultimately leaving drivers worse off. Together, these pressures make the UK less attractive for investment compared to other markets.”
The intervention follows reports of disagreements within Government over how far to relax the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of electric cars.
Although manufacturers have warned that demand is not keeping pace with the targets, EV advocates argue the existing rules already give carmakers considerable room to meet their obligations.
Almost one in three new cars sold in October was fully electric, according to public data from New AutoMotive.
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of electric car buying and advice site Electrifying.com, said:
“Drivers and businesses need a clear road ahead, yet even ministers appear unable to agree on the direction. With increasing uptake of EVs and a growing choice of affordable electric models, now is the time to build confidence, not weaken it and the government must not let private companies dictate environmental policy.
“The ZEV mandate already includes substantial flexibilities and analysis suggests the car market collectively is ahead of its estimated requirement once CO₂ flexibilities are included.
“What does need consideration is vans, given that electric cars and vans are moving at very different speeds, leaving some manufacturers relying on surplus electric car credits to avoid fines on van sales. Purchase grants and charging support already exist, but ministers should assess whether they address businesses’ practical barriers and set a more realistic trajectory for vans.”
The row also raises questions about the impact on drivers who cannot charge at home and depend on public charging facilities.
Yann Marston, Chief Revenue Officer at char.gy, said:
“The charging network is growing ahead of Government targets and is ready to support more drivers making the switch to electric.
“Keeping ambitious EV targets in place will help ensure drivers have access to more affordable electric cars, particularly those without driveways, who often face the biggest barriers. What drivers need now is more choice and greater confidence, and a consistent policy framework will help deliver both.”
Meanwhile, investors are warning that repeated changes to the rules could make Britain a less attractive place to fund new charging infrastructure.
The Government insists no final decision has been taken and says it remains committed to ending sales of new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel in 2030, with all new car and van sales required to be zero-emission by 2035.
A decision on the mandate is expected following further ministerial discussions this week.
