BIG Electric Car News – The Government launch a review into the ZEV Mandate

The Government launch a review into the ZEV Mandate - BIG Electric Car News

The pathway to a zero-emission UK by 2035 has come to a head, with the current Government launching a ZEV Mandate review consultation to discuss the impact and effectiveness of the current political approach.

Already the media have swooped in on this crucial aspect, with the BBC   purporting that vehicle targets could be cut by the Government, further to pressure from car and automotive manufacturers. As noted in the BBC report, there are suggestions that the 80% target for 2030 could instead be reduced to 50%. Or lower. 

However, the BBC also note that there is contrary conjecture from other automotive and environmental groups, who are firmly resisting any changes to the current political tool.

Our partners over at the EVA , are a voice for UK electric car drivers and they have already provided a useful insight into the situation, noting that drivers need a better deal.

They identify crucial areas like targeting incentives where they will make the biggest difference, tackling the unfair premium paid by people who rely on public charging, and making sure the charging network is reliable, simple and convenient to use.

A charge point that does not work when a driver needs it might as well not be there. As summarised, the consultation is a real opportunity to address those barriers rather than dilute the destination. Similarly, the BVRLA  are also reaching out on behalf of us (and other leasing businesses) who are engaged in the electrification process.

While the Government are now asking for feedback on their dedicated page, you have until 23 October 2026 to provide a full and robust update. As you can furnish from the current overview, the Government are not making any knee-jerk reactions or have confirmed any sort of pathway.

There is a good appreciation for the electric vehicle industry, and the jobs and investment connected to this transition. As reported in the SMMT, 1 in every 4 new cars are electric, with zero-emission sales showing incredible signs of improvement in 2026.

However, there is a complicated mix of vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, charge point operators, utility companies, dealerships / leasing companies, EV drivers and future EV drivers to consider.

While the Electric Car Grant  is being used to the fullest by various manufacturers, various other businesses are utilising political support to establish EV economies, such as the £4 billion DRIVE35 projects and the £3.5 billion in van, truck and car grants. Discover a full Government analysis and overview here.

While this is still early into the process, there has to be some acceptance that the targets will change. As an EV new and used leasing broker, we only ask for a decision to be made which continues to help the positivity which we have seen during 2026.

However, we also respect that the uptake is having both positive, and negative, impacts on car manufacturers, as they try to acclimatise to a changing UK automotive market. The SMMT are strongly suggesting that almost all manufacturers will not reach the current 80% target by 2030, which could lead to a situation of penalties and punishment, ultimately leading to them changing investment into the UK.

This is not something which any of us want. The ZEV Mandate has actually proved to be a remarkable tool and while it has stirred some ill-will, it has focused the UK on the BEV transition. As at 2026, there is now a general acceptance that batteries are the route, and this offers a cost-effective and enjoyable experience for the driver.

Whether or not 50% is the hard target for 2030, what is more important is that infrastructure, education and subsidies proceed. If the cars and the solution of electrification is good enough, then positive outcomes will occur regardless of what the actual target is. Businesses like ours will do our best to make this a reality.

For a brand like Hyundai, who are pushing their sports performance electric programme so keenly, being supported in the right way is so important. While EVs are a sensible and financially sage vehicle choice, some can be immensely fun and frivolous too!

Discover our latest Hyundai Ioniq 6N Electric Car Lease

The new Hyundai Ioniq 6N is the epitome of this type of vehicle. Aerodynamic, high-performance and precise, this is the type of car which connects the driver to the experience. As you can see on the Hyundai brand website  the South Korean team are engineering a product which is advocating that “driving still matters”. Essentially, this is the racetrack meets road type of EV.

While you can configure your perfect Ioniq 6N at the Hyundai brand website  just note the key highlights like the battery heating and preconditioning system, N e-shift, B brand active sound, BOSE premium audio, electronic control suspension, 20” forged alloys, paddle shifter and smart regenerative braking.

Other key additions are the heated windscreen, privacy glass, luminous brake callipers, acoustic glass, high performance dampers, phone charging, N Drift optimiser, OTA, front/rear parking sensors, lane follow assist, lane keep assist, parking collision avoidance, surround view monitor, remote smart park assist, power assisted steering, electric tailgate, 12” driver cluster, 12” touchscreen, HUD, digital clock, electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors.

N metal kickplate, exterior door handles - auto flush, LED matrix headlamps, LED taillights, auto headlights, heat pump, climate control, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, digital and smart key, 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and interior and exterior load to socket. The standard car is available from just over £65,000.

Add additional racing options like the carbon fibre rear wing, carbon fibre front splitter, 20” forged lightweight alloys, underbody tuning vane, Pasubio steering wheel, suede armrest, carbon fibre door scuff, N Racing centre stripe and Ferodo brake pads. Other bespoke elements include the Vision Roof and a wide-array of colours like the Serenity White, Abyss Black, Gravity Gold and Performance Blue.

How does the Ioniq 6N perform?

The AWD saloon option will have an 80kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 3.2 seconds, 162 mph top speeds and 478 kW (or 641hp) – this is a total torque of 568 lb-ft. Expect a cold weather range of around 225 miles with warmer weather allowing for 305 miles – a combined range of around 270 miles on a full charge.

On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 263 kW DC maximum allowing 17 minute 10 – 80% times. This has a fuel equivalent of 137 mpg. A cargo volume of 371L is available with this car. This will have Bidirectional charging capabilities via the V2L on an exterior and interior outlet. The heat pump is standard.

Need more help and advice on a new or used EV?

Head to our Hyundai Ioniq 6N Electric Car Lease deals  or just get in touch with our expert team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected].