Inside a government office in London, Mike Hawes, head of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), recounted how his attempts to meet Energy Secretary Ed Miliband were consistently rebuffed. Despite the department overseeing crucial zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) targets, Hawes said the group was 'least successful' in engaging with Miliband's office.
ZEV mandate sparks industry backlash
The ZEV mandate is a core policy in the UK's plan to transition to electric vehicles, requiring carmakers to boost their production of all-electric models over time. Yet manufacturers argue it's already too ambitious, causing alarm in an industry already reeling from broader economic pressures.
Under the mandate, 30 percent of all vehicles sold must be zero-emission. That share is expected to climb to 34 percent next year and hit 46 percent by 2028. The long-term goal is to make all new vehicles all-electric by 2035.
Miliband’s refusal fuels industry concerns
Miliband, who served as energy secretary for two years before being moved to the Foreign Office, reportedly overruled Starmer’s plans to soften the policy. This move has angered manufacturers already reluctant to scale up to meet the deadlines.
Hawes confirmed he had no meetings with top energy ministers during the Starmer administration but said he had spoken with junior officials and departmental staff. He described the communication breakdown as 'concerning' and stressed the need for change.
Industry calls for urgent review of EV targets
Hawes said a review of the ZEV mandate was 'vital' and needs to happen before the scheduled 2027 timeline. He added that carmakers are holding off on major investment decisions until the policy is clarified.
Stellantis, the parent company of Vauxhall, recently cited the mandate as a key reason for shutting a major plant in Luton. Its CEO warned that continued rigidity in the policy could push the company out of the UK entirely.
Despite the friction with Miliband's department, Hawes said other government departments had been more receptive. He confirmed he had already met with new Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (Desnz) was approached for comment but has yet to respond.