What is the ZEV mandate?
The ZEV mandate sets the share of each carmaker's new car and van sales that must be zero emission each year. Makers that fall short can use flexibilities, such as borrowing from future years or using credits for cutting CO2 on their petrol and diesel models, or buy allowances from makers with a surplus.
Under the current rules the share of new cars rises year by year to 80% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. The 2027 target is 38%.
What is the government asking?
The consultation sets out four options for the car targets:
| Option | Zero emission share of new cars in 2030 | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Current rules | 80% | No change |
| Option 1 | 70% | Lower targets from 2027 (36%), still reaching 100% in 2035 |
| Option 2 | 60% | Lower targets from 2027, rising more slowly to 100% in 2035 |
| Option 3 | 50% | The lowest path, with the steepest rise after 2030 |
| Option 4 | 80% | Same headline targets, but borrowing, banking and CO2 credits extended to 2034, so real sales could fall below 80% |
It also asks how to define the 2030 phase-out of new cars that rely solely on an internal combustion engine. The Scottish and Welsh governments and Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure take part in most of the review.
The government has not said which option it prefers. A decision is expected after it has considered the responses.
What does it mean for drivers?
- Today: nothing changes for the car you own. Petrol and diesel cars can still be driven, taxed, bought and sold after 2030.
- Buying new before 2030: a lower target would let carmakers sell more new petrol and hybrid models than the current rules allow.
- Buying used: the rules only cover new cars, so the used market is not directly affected.
If you are weighing up an electric car, compare running costs with our EV charging cost calculator and read about pay-per-mile tax for electric cars from 2028.
Questions drivers ask
Is the 2030 petrol car ban still happening?
Yes. In the August 2026 consultation the government says it will not amend its commitment to end the sale of new purely petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and all new cars and vans must be zero emission by 2035.
What is the ZEV mandate target for 2030?
Under the current rules, 80% of new cars sold in 2030 must be zero emission. The consultation includes options of 70%, 60% and 50%, and one that keeps 80% with extended flexibilities.
When does the ZEV mandate consultation close?
At 11:59pm on 23 October 2026.
Can I still buy a used petrol car after 2030?
Yes. The ZEV mandate and the 2030 phase-out apply to new cars only.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Zero emission vehicle mandate review (consultation)
- DfT: Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate Review, August 2026 (consultation document)
Facts checked against the sources above on 23 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
