New polling from Savanta for the Climate Barometer Tracker [1] has found that over half (54%) of Labour MPs support the target of phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, compared to less than one in five (17%) who oppose it.

The findings come as the government prepares to launch another consultation on EV targets this week. In response, more than 40 representatives from the charging sector, business fleets, battery manufacturing, and investors have joined with environmental organisations in support of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.

The groups warned in a public letter to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander that changing the rules “potentially undermines billions of pounds of committed investment in the automotive sector, chargepoint sector, business fleets and battery manufacturing and recycling” and would prevent more families from accessing the savings EVs can provide. Signatories ranged from BT Group and Openreach, to drivers’ association EVA England and Greenpeace.

Parts of the car industry are lobbying the Labour Government to weaken its Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, which has also seen some MPs [2] adding their voices to this campaign. The ZEV mandate is the mechanism by which the 2030 phase out date for the sale of pure petrol and diesel cars, and the 2035 phase out date for the sale of any cars with a petrol and diesel engine e.g. hybrids, will be achieved.

Since coming into force on the 1^st January 2024, flexibilities built into the mandate have enabled the car industry as a whole to successfully comply with its obligations in both 2024 [3] and 2025, [4] and is on course to do so again in 2026. [5] The ZEV mandate has been identified by the International Energy Agency as driving the ‘surge’ in EV sales being witnessed in the UK. [6]

Overall, a plurality of all MPs across parties (44%) supports the 2030 phase-out target, with just under a third (32%) opposing it.

MPs were united on the need for increased investment to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with nearly all (87%) MPs and 90% of Labour MPs voicing their support.

Colin Walker, Head of Transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said:

“The ZEV mandate is doing exactly what it was designed to do: driving competition between manufacturers, bringing down the cost of new EVs, growing the second-hand market, and helping more and more drivers end their exposure to expensive petrol prices by making the shift to electric driving. Despite calls from parts of the industry for the Government to weaken its EV sales target, the majority of MPs recognise that sticking to the 2030 phase-out is necessary if the savings that come from EV ownership are to be accessible for all British households.”

Blanche Shackleton, interim Executive Director of Green Alliance, said:

“Climate-fuelled wildfires are engulfing Europe, the price of oil is surging again, and Chinese manufacturers are knocking on the door. The signs are clear that Andy Burnham’s government must double down on the switch to electric vehicles to deliver lower costs for households and businesses while driving investment in a futureproofed UK automotive industry. The Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate is working and its ambition must be maintained.”

James Alexander, CEO of UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association, said:

“The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is an absolutely vital mechanism for driving investment into the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. It has given the market the confidence to support the roll-out of charging points across the country, which are helping to electrify our transport system.

“Watering down the mandate risks undermining this flow of capital, just as increasing numbers of motorists are turning to cheaper EVs. The government must maintain the existing targets in this framework, so investors have the long-term policy certainty they need to continue financing this crucial sector.”

 Abby Chicken, Head of Sustainability at Openreach, said:

“We’re already electrifying the UK’s second largest commercial fleet – with more than 7,000 EVs on the road and over 4,000 charging points in place. This is a long-term commitment and we’re continuing to invest as we work towards our targets.

 “And while we’ve made good progress, there’s more to do. Keeping that momentum going will be important. Clear, consistent Government policy can help businesses keep investing, alongside support to tackle challenges like vehicle availability, upfront costs and reliable charging.” [7]

Luisa Melloh, Researcher at Climate Barometer, said:

“There’s more support than opposition among MPs for the 2030 ZEV mandate and the large majority also support investing in EV incentives and infrastructure. Switching to electric vehicles is not only a key part in delivering on the government’s own net zero target, it is also important for tackling air pollution in urban environments and increasing the affordability of environmentally friendly transport. Maintaining the ZEV mandate would be a key signal that the government is committed to tackling climate change in a way that is affordable and accessible to all.”

Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, said:

“The ZEV Mandate is doing its job: accelerating the transition to clean transport, lowering costs for families, and giving businesses the certainty they need to invest billions in the UK economy. Carmakers are already meeting their compliance targets, EV sales are hitting record highs, and prices are coming down. Weakening or watering down these targets now would snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, sending a damaging signal to investors and locking British drivers into high fuel costs for longer. The government must hold its nerve, maintain long-term policy stability, and keep the UK leading the global race for electric transport.”

Ends

Notes

[1] Polling commissioned and produced by the Climate Barometer Tracker. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Savanta. Total sample size was 103 MPs. Fieldwork was undertaken 7th May – 8th June 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of the House of Commons.

[2] MP says support growing for electric car rethink (BBC News)

[3] Vehicle emissions trading schemes (VETS) final compliance information 2024 (UK Government)

[4] Car industry on course to meet EV sales targets in 2025 (ECIU)

[5] Electric car sales up 38% in June as motorists seek cheaper motoring (New Automotive)

[6] Global Energy Review 2025 (International Energy Agency)

[7] Openreach operates the UK’s second largest commercial fleet with 23,000 vehicles.