London Mayor Sadiq Khan has emerged as a prominent voice within the Labour Party opposing potential government plans to weaken electric vehicle (EV) sales targets. As ministers prepare to discuss the future of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, Khan has signaled his support for maintaining the current trajectory.
Internal Cabinet Disagreements
Government ministers are scheduled to meet at Downing Street to determine whether to revise the legally binding requirement that 80% of new vehicles sold by carmakers must be electric by 2030. The administration is currently divided on the issue, with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds reportedly advocating for a reduction of the target to 50%. Conversely, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is pushing to keep the mandate as close to the original 80% goal as possible.
City Hall’s Stance
According to reporting by The Guardian, officials at City Hall have confirmed that Mayor Sadiq Khan aligns with Fahnbulleh’s position. The mayor’s stance was detailed in a letter sent by Seb Dance, the deputy mayor for transport, to Oliver Lord, the UK director of the advocacy group Clean Cities.
In the correspondence, Dance stated, “We and Transport for London share your view that the ZEV [zero-emission vehicle] mandate must not change.” The letter further emphasized that London remains committed to a “strong and credible” mandate to ensure environmental and economic progress.
The deputy mayor warned that any dilution of the current 2030 goals could have negative consequences. “We do not support any weakening of the current trajectories to 2030 or beyond, which risks damaging the case for investment in the ZEV and charging infrastructure industries, slowing down the pace of change, and the associated reduction in harmful emissions,” Dance wrote.
While Department for Transport officials maintain that a final decision has not yet been reached, the government is expected to announce adjustments to the 2030 target within the next two weeks. Should the government proceed with a reduction, it would place Mayor Khan in direct opposition to official national policy.
