Trade body warns EV mandate review risks billions in charger sales

The British electrotechnical and allied manufacturers’ association (BEAMA) has cautioned that any dilution of the zero-emissions vehicle mandate could postpone up to £1.56 billion in UK home charger sales. The trade association argues that uncertainty surrounding the policy framework is undermining the business case for continued investment in the sector. Matt Adams, head of electrical transport systems at BEAMA, stated that the government must decide whether it is mandating or meandering, noting that manufacturers have invested millions based on the trajectory previously set by ministers. He warned that if targets continue to change, the rationale for investing, expanding, and creating well-paid, highly skilled jobs that support communities becomes increasingly difficult to sustain.

This warning follows the launch of a review of the low-emissions car mandate by the government of Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The consultation, which was unveiled on 14 August, is expected to close on 23 October. It will examine the impact of the mandate, emerging issues, and policy options, including the carbon impact. The review will assess yearly headline targets, the efficacy of existing regulations, and alternative policy approaches for defining the phase-out of new internal combustion engines by 2030. The current mandate, introduced in April 2025 under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, targets the electrification of new cars on the road, with an initial goal for 80% of new vehicles to have zero emissions by 2030.

BEAMA’s modelling indicates that reducing the 2030 target for zero-emissions car sales from 80% to 50% could result in up to 1.7 million fewer home charge points being sold by 2034. Adams noted that this would delay demand for which manufacturers have already invested or planned to invest. The association warned that weakening the electric vehicle target could diminish flexible charging capacity by up to 12 GW through to 2034, thereby undermining government ambitions for a more flexible electricity system. The government’s Clean Flexibility Roadmap anticipates 4.5 GW of flexibility from EV smart charging by 2030, a figure manufacturers say would be disrupted by a dilution of the target. Adams added that BEAMA’s analysis suggests this could ultimately add 71 million tonnes of carbon emissions over the lifetime of the vehicles affected, a volume roughly equal to the emissions produced by the UK’s entire transport sector in a year.

Industry leaders have called for policy stability to protect investment. Greg Jackson, chief executive of energy supplier Octopus, described a roll-back of the mandate as short-termist in June, warning it would push up energy bills. Melanie Lane, chief executive of EV charging provider Pod, said it is vital that industry rallies around the mandate to protect certainty and ensure the investment and infrastructure needed for EV adoption. Paul Taylor, managing director of smart prepayment metering manufacturer Em-lite, criticised the government’s messaging, stating it undermines the need to improve EV uptake. He argued that this uncertainty would lead to more expensive petrol cars remaining on sale for longer and reduced investment by charge point manufacturers. Andrew Clint, CEO of smart home energy tech manufacturer myenergi, urged the government to stick to the plan, provide long-term certainty for industry, and ensure the UK remains a leader in the transition to clean transport.