HYBRID LIFELINE: Government’s ZEV mandate tweaks could offer breathing space for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Government’s revised Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate has introduced a wave of changes that could ease the transition to electric for the taxi and private hire industry. The updated rules, announced as part of a wider automotive plan, could give drivers and operators more time and options as they consider the switch away from petrol and diesel.
From 2030, the sale of new vehicles powered purely by petrol or diesel will be phased out. However, full hybrids and plug-in hybrids will continue to be available until 2035. This decision keeps popular models like the Toyota Prius and plug-in VW Golf in the frame for a further five years. For drivers who rely on range, reliability and manageable costs, this change could be crucial.
The Government is also lowering the financial penalties for vehicle manufacturers that miss ZEV targets. Fines will drop by 20% to £12,000 per car from 2025. Combined with new flexibilities allowing car and van credits to be swapped, this move is expected to limit sharp cost increases being passed down to drivers.
Charging infrastructure is set for continued investment, with over £2.3 billion committed to supporting the EV rollout. This includes support for the national chargepoint network, which remains a key concern for those in the trade who need quick turnaround times and predictable access.
Vehicle supply chains are also being protected. By backing British manufacturers like Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover, the Government hopes to maintain access to the types of vehicles favoured by the trade, while also giving firms longer to adapt to cleaner technologies.
The taxi and private hire industry has long called for clarity and workable timelines. The return to a 2030 phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars, paired with a hybrid extension, gives both regulators and licensed drivers a clearer view of what’s coming. More importantly, it gives them a better chance to plan and invest accordingly.
These updates are not expected to change the end goal of zero-emission fleets, but they do shift the approach. For drivers, it should mean more choice and time to adapt without being priced out or left behind. For the industry, it could help maintain service levels and vehicle availability as the transition gains pace over the next decade.
