The Government is facing new calls to introduce a zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate in order to reach its 2030 ambition to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans.

A report from New Automotive found it was essential the government continues to support the switch to electric through ambitious public policy.

Despite the exponential growth of EVs, more than four in five of all new car registrations in 2022 were petrol or diesel vehicles.

Ben Nelmes, CEO at New AutoMotive, said: “2022 was a historic year for the transition to greener, cleaner transport in the UK. Electric cars provided the only growth in sales in the UK car market, as more and more motorists made the switch to access the running-cost savings EVs offer.

“The final consultations for the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate are due to take place imminently. These discussions are of critical importance, as the final form of the mandate will be crucial to delivering a timely and equitable transition to electric vehicles that benefits all motorists, as well as UK business.

“The UK government must not delay the implementation of the mandate or water down targets – doing so will only delay motorists' access to the running cost savings that come from switching to an electric car. An ambitious mandate would ensure the supply of EVs - both vans and cars - to the UK, reducing waiting times and reducing upfront costs, and thus driving the country’s EV transition to new heights.

“Any watering down of targets would simply reward manufacturers that are failing to electrify, and slow down the pace of the transition. In 2023, the government must drive forward and capitalise on the significant momentum the transition has built up. Neither complacency nor vested interests can not be allowed to slow down the journey to electrified transport.”

The findings of the report follow recommendations from a recent independent review of the Government’s Net Zero Strategy. The review advised that a ZEV Mandate is introduced by 2024.