The UK government’s electric vehicle (EV) targets are expected to be reduced this week in a move likely to be welcomed by carmakers but opposed by environmental groups.
Under the current rules, 80% of new cars sold in the UK must be electric by 2030 but industry groups have long called for “urgent relief”.
New petrol or diesel cars are due to be phased out by 2030 and by 2035 all new cars must be zero emission.
But the speed of the transition to electric has been hotly debated, including within the cabinet.
The government has been consulting on reducing its 80% rule and a significant reduction is now expected.
Downing Street has insisted no decision has been made.
A government source told the BBC it would approach the issue in a “pragmatic and balanced” way.
If ministers do decide on a steeper watering-down of the rules, it will arguably be interpreted by some – alongside the approval of the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea – as the government prioritising economic considerations over environmental ones.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recused himself from this issue due to his wife’s links to an electric vehicle company.
The key meetings on the subject will instead be chaired by Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh.
Asked about reports the targets would be reduced, Burnham dismissed this as “speculation”, adding: “No decision has been made at this point.”
Sustainability groups say any weakening of the 2030 target will threaten the UK’s long-term electrification and climate goals.
It could undermine the UK’s claim to be providing leadership on climate just as ministers head to Turkey for COP31, the UN’s climate summit.
Energy UK, the trade association for the energy industry, has also opposed the move.
Last month, it said, external reducing targets could damage “the investment certainty needed to deliver the infrastructure, innovation and services required for the transition to zero-emission transport”.
Asked if climate change was no longer a big priority, Health Minister Karin Smyth said the government was committed to its emissions targets.
“This country is doing great work in terms of our transition and looking at renewables – that’s a key part of growth in different parts of the country,” she told BBC Breakfast.
She added that the prime minister would have “a good story to tell” when meeting other leaders at COP31.
A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to the phase out of all new cars relying solely on petrol and diesel engines by 2030, and to 100% of new car and van sales being zero emission by 2035, and our legally binding net zero targets.”
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders welcomed the government’s review of the EV targets when it was announced in the summer.
Last week, head of the association Mike Hawes said transitioning to electric vehicles had come at a “heavy cost” with billions spent on discounts to drive demand in electric vehicles.
He said the government’s targets could not be achieved “without putting at risk any future investment”.
