The UK charging industry has pushed back against suggestions that the Government could weaken its electric vehicle sales targets, warning that drivers and investors would bear the cost of any retreat.
The intervention follows a report by EV newsletter The Fast Charge, produced in partnership with charging firm Zest, titled Reverse the Charge. Its impact assessment 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 exceed £1 per kWh next year, with drivers who lack off-street parking likely to be hit hardest, and calls on Ofgem to urgently reform the capacity-based billing behind the increase.
According to reports, ministers are considering reducing the share 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. Charging executives argue that infrastructure is already being delivered and should not be blamed for the difficulties facing carmakers.
Industry warns on certainty
Robin Heap, chief executive of Zest, said investment follows confidence and confidence depends on certainty, arguing that speculation about weakening the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate sends the wrong signal to businesses committing millions to Britain's electric future. He said the transition needs long-term thinking rather than short-term concessions, and that Ofgem's disproportionate fixed electricity grid charges are already causing charging projects to be scaled back or shelved. Further uncertainty over EV targets risked delaying investment, slowing progress and leaving drivers worse off, he added, and together these pressures make the UK less attractive for investment than other markets.
The debate reflects reported disagreements within Government over how far to relax the ZEV mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of electric cars. While 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.
Calls for a clear framework
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 direction. She argued that with rising EV uptake and a growing choice of affordable electric models, now is the time to build confidence rather than weaken it, and that the Government must not let private companies dictate environmental policy. She said the ZEV mandate already includes substantial flexibilities and that analysis suggests the car market collectively is ahead of its estimated requirement once CO2 flexibilities are included.
Buckley added that vans do need consideration, since 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, she said, but ministers should assess whether they address businesses' practical barriers and set a more realistic trajectory for vans.
The row also raises questions about 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. He argued that keeping ambitious EV targets would help ensure drivers have access to more affordable electric cars, particularly those without driveways, who often face the biggest barriers, and said a consistent policy framework would deliver both more choice and greater confidence.
Investors have warned 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.