Charging industry executives have pushed back against suggestions that Britain is not ready for electric cars, as ministers consider reducing the share of new cars that must be electric by 2030 from 80% to 60%.
The debate follows an impact assessment, “Reverse the Charge,” published by EV newsletter The Fast Charge with Zest. It found that fixed grid charges paid to keep a single rapid charger live had risen by 616% since 2021, from £61.47 a week to £440.13. The report warned that rapid charging could pass £1 per kWh next year, with drivers who lack off-street parking likely to be hit hardest, and called on Ofgem to urgently address the capacity-based billing behind the increase.
Ministers are reportedly weighing the cut after pressure from manufacturers concerned about costs, jobs and consumer demand. Charging bosses argue that the infrastructure is already being delivered and should not be blamed for the difficulties facing carmakers.
Robin Heap, chief executive of Zest, said investment depends on confidence and certainty, and that speculation about weakening the zero-emission vehicle mandate sends the wrong signal to businesses committing millions to Britain’s electric future. He argued the transition needs long-term thinking rather than short-term concessions, and said Ofgem’s fixed grid charges were already causing charging projects to be scaled back or shelved. Further uncertainty over EV targets risks delaying investment, slowing progress and leaving drivers worse off, while making the UK less attractive to investors than other markets, he added.
The intervention comes amid reports of disagreement within Government over how far to relax the ZEV mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of electric cars. Manufacturers have warned that demand is not keeping pace with the targets, while EV advocates say 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.
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, said drivers and businesses need a clear road ahead, yet ministers appear unable to agree on direction. With EV uptake rising and more affordable models available, she argued, the priority should be to build confidence rather than weaken it, and the Government should not let private companies dictate environmental policy. Buckley said the ZEV mandate already contains substantial flexibilities and that analysis suggests the car market is collectively ahead of its estimated requirement once CO2 flexibilities are included.
She added that vans need separate consideration because electric cars and vans are moving at very different speeds, leaving some manufacturers reliant 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.
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. He argued that keeping ambitious EV targets would help ensure drivers can access more affordable electric cars, particularly those without driveways, who often face the biggest barriers. A consistent policy framework would give drivers more choice and confidence, he said.
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.