Electric Vehicles: Transition

Baroness Pidgeon Excerpts

Wednesday 11th February 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Pidgeon]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.

[Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Blake of Leeds) (Lab)]

My Lords, the UK is a global leader in the transition to zero-emission vehicles, with the largest EV market share of any major European economy in 2025. The Government are committed to working with manufacturers, charge point operators and fleets to ensure that the transition is a success. We are investing £7.5 billion over the next decade to help drivers to make the switch.

[Baroness Pidgeon (LD)]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for her Answer. An early review of the zero-emission vehicle mandate took place in 2024, but manufacturers really need certainty now, given that they are investing heavily in decarbonisation. Will the Government give manufacturers the clear assurance that they are committed to a transition to electric vehicles and cancel the proposed further review of the mandate in 2027?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The ZEV mandate is the largest carbon-saving measure across government, providing policy stability and regulatory certainty, and is an essential driver of investment and consumer confidence. It is the Government’s long-standing commitment to have a review of the ZEV mandate. It will commence later this year and will be published in 2027. It is absolutely crucial that we have confidence across the system to make sure that we move forward successfully.