British charging companies have pushed back against suggestions that the UK is not ready for electric cars, as ministers consider reducing the share of new cars that must be zero-emission by 2030 from 80% to 60%.
The proposed change follows pressure from manufacturers worried about costs, jobs and consumer demand. Charging executives argue that infrastructure is being delivered and should not be blamed for difficulties facing carmakers.
Grid charges under scrutiny
The intervention came after “Reverse the Charge”, an impact assessment by EV newsletter The Fast Charge in partnership with Zest, found that fixed grid charges paid to keep a single rapid charger operational had 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, hitting drivers without off-street parking hardest, and calls on Ofgem to fix the capacity-based billing behind the increase.
Industry warnings
Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said investment follows confidence and confidence depends on certainty. He argued that speculation about weakening the ZEV mandate sends the wrong signal to businesses committing millions to Britain’s electric future. He added that Ofgem’s fixed electricity grid charges have already caused charging projects to be scaled back or shelved, and that further uncertainty over EV targets risks delaying investment, slowing progress and leaving drivers worse off. Such pressures, he said, make the UK less attractive for investment than other markets.
Market data and flexibility
Public data from New AutoMotive showed that almost one in three new cars sold in October was fully electric. Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, said drivers and businesses need a clear road ahead, yet even ministers appeared unable to agree on the direction. With uptake rising and more affordable electric models available, she said now was the time to build confidence rather than weaken it, and the government should not let private companies dictate environmental policy.
Buckley also 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. She said vans needed separate consideration because 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 added, but ministers should assess whether they address businesses’ practical barriers and set a more realistic trajectory for vans.
Charging network and driver access
Yann Marston, chief revenue officer at char.gy, said the charging network was growing ahead of government targets and was ready to support more drivers making the switch. Keeping ambitious EV targets would help ensure drivers could access more affordable electric cars, particularly those without driveways, who often face the biggest barriers. Drivers need more choice and confidence, he said, and a consistent policy framework would help deliver both.
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 after further ministerial discussions this week.