The Government’s latest U-turn could see EV targets watered down.

The current target of 80 per cent of all new cars sold being EVs by 2030, but a stubborn gap and pressure from manufactures and unions could well see these figure revised downward.

As per, the Government will hold a ‘consultation’ which usually means it has already decided, but anything up to a near halving of the target have been put ion the table.

A total ban was announced in 2020 by the Conservatives, then it was 2035 and the interim 80 per cent target set for 2030 with the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) mandate with percentages ratcheting up from 28 per cent.

Like a yo-yo, a wide-eyed and newly elected Labour at first wanted to go back to the total ban by 2030, much to the frustrations of several manufacturers and the glee of Chinese makers.

Now, its anyone’s guess. And, of course, there may well be at least one new Prime Minister shortly, if not a brace.

Head of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mike Hawes, has called for consistency, saying: “Targets alone do not cut emissions, new vehicle uptake does. Consumers and businesses will only switch when conditions, and costs, are right. Automotive has invested heavily and continues to do so to create those conditions. However, consumers consistently cite familiar reasons to hold off: cost, uncertainty about infrastructure, whether an EV will meet their driving needs. Add in a prospective additional tax in the form of a pence per mile VED charge, and such wariness is natural.”

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