Weakened car sales rules may lead to higher emissions, adviser says

The government's weakening of vehicle sales rules in April could result in fewer electric cars on British roads and higher carbon emissions, according to its official climate adviser.

- Jasper Jolly

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) said loopholes announced by Keir Starmer last month for the government's zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate could lead to more plug-in hybrids being sold "at the expense of some EV sales".

The UK brought in the ZEV mandate to force carmakers to sell more electric cars every year, or face steep fines. However, Labour introduced "flexibilities" into the rules after car industry lobbying.