• 47% of dealers say that the ZEV Mandate targets should be relaxed and 52% that the car market needs more time to electrify
• 30% say that manufacturers will end up paying ZEV Mandate fines and 23% that targets will be scrapped
• Findings come from September’s new Startline Used Car Tracker

September’s Startline Used Car Tracker also shows that 52% believe that the market needs more time to electrify.

Additionally, 30% think that manufacturers will end up being fined under the scheme, 28% that the ZEV Mandate targets are too ambitious and 23% that the targets will be scrapped.

The ZEV Mandate sets targets for zero emissions vehicle sales – meaning electric vehicles (EVs) in practical terms – rising from 22% this year to 28% in 2025, 33% in 2026, 38% in 2027, 52% in 2028, 66% in 2029 and 80% in 2030.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “EV sales are widely perceived to be almost flatlining, so the ZEV Mandate is currently receiving a lot of attention. While manufacturers can defer targets to future years, the ultimate fines are £15,000 per vehicle, which is obviously eye-wateringly high.

“It appears that against this backdrop, large numbers of dealers are increasingly sceptical that the ZEV Mandate is a good idea or even that it is practically achievable. They believe something is going to have to give in terms of the targets.

“How likely that is for a Labour government that remains committed to reinstating the 2030 petrol and diesel sales ban is open to question although there must be some doubt over whether any administration would ultimately impose the kinds of massive fines that might be incurred on one of our most important industries.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 307 consumers and 60 dealers were questioned.