Technology Collaboration Programme by:
Technology Collaboration Programme by:
The UK reaffirmed its 2030 zero emission vehicle commitment in 2025, launched a new Electric Car Grant, and committed £600 million to charging infrastructure.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate and Phase-Out Dates
The ZEV mandate sets annual targets for the share of new zero emission vehicles, providing a pathway to 100% by 2035 with built-in flexibilities to support compliance.
In April 2025, the UK reaffirmed its commitment for all new cars sold from 2030 to be ZEVs or hybrids. In October 2025, in response to global economic challenges, legislation was introduced to extend and increase flexibilities for manufacturers.
Incentivising Vehicle Demand
In July 2025, the Government launched the Electric Car Grant (ECG), offering up to £3,750 to support the purchase of affordable, sustainably produced EVs. By February 2026, the scheme had supported over 65,000 purchases and was complemented by a paid communications campaign.
The Government is also supporting zero-emission HGV uptake through the Plug-in Truck Grant, a Depot Charging Scheme, and the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.
Charging Infrastructure
As of 1 January 2026, the UK had 116,052 public EV chargers (EVSE),1 including 26,378 rapid chargers (50 kW or above). In July 2025,2 the Government unveiled a £63 million package to accelerate charging infrastructure. The funding covers cross pavement charging for local authorities, depot and NHS fleet charging, and improved signage for EV hubs on major A roads.
Spending Review 20253 allocated £400 million for charging infrastructure, plus the 2025 Budget4 provided a further £200 million, bringing total investment to £600 million over the review period.
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund has made strong progress, supported by substantial private investment, and may exceed its target of 100,000 additional charge points.
In November 2025, a further £10 million was announced to deploy innovative technology solutions. These included solar and battery storage to help address grid constraints along the Strategic Road Network.
Policy Instruments for Charging Infrastructure
In 2025, the Government announced plans to expand home charging by removing barriers for renters and leaseholders, simplifying installations, and reviewing public charging costs with Ofgem and industry.
2025 was the final full year of the deployment phase of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, ahead of its five year demonstration phase starting in April 2026.
It will trial hundreds of 40–44 tonne battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell HGVs and supporting infrastructure. By end-2025, 151+ vehicles had been delivered and over 25 of 70+ planned infrastructure sites were live. In 2025 the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s V2X (Vehicle-to-X) Innovation Programme was completed. The Programme supported the development of bidirectional EV charging technology and business models.
2026 will be another important year for the UK’s journey to decarbonising road transport. Legislation increasing flexibilities for manufacturers to meet ZEV Mandate targets came into force in January 2026. A Government review of the Mandate will be published by early 2027, with stakeholder engagement beginning in 2026. Progress will continue to be supported by vehicle grants, with the Electric Car Grant funded through to 2029/30.
In January 2026, the Government published a consultation on a new UK HGV CO₂ emissions regulatory framework,6 seeking views on options to reduce emissions from new HGVs and support the phase-out of non-zero emission vehicles by 2040. Subject to parliamentary approval, further regulatory changes in 2026 will simplify testing and drivers’ hours rules for large electric vans, addressing a key barrier identified by fleet operators.
The Department for Transport is working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ofgem and industry to target funding for strengthening electricity networks near motorway service areas, supporting grid upgrades and charge point rollout.
Local authorities remain engaged with the LEVI Fund and will continue procurement and delivery of charge points throughout 2026. V2X technology is also expected to develop rapidly, with several Vehicle-to-Grid propositions likely to come to market in 2026.
