Government Policies on EV Sales Could Raise Petrol Car Expenses by £1,600 Annually

In a potential financial blow to petrol car owners, UK drivers could face an additional £1,600 per year in vehicle expenses due to the sluggish pace of electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Experts warn that as fewer motorists switch to electric cars, fuel and maintenance costs for petrol vehicles could climb even higher.

The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, a key government policy aimed at phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles, plays a crucial role in determining the cost landscape for UK motorists. With strict targets for car manufacturers to boost EV sales, any deviation from these targets could have financial repercussions for consumers.

Understanding the ZEV Mandate and Its Impact

The UK Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate compels manufacturers to ensure that a certain percentage of their vehicle sales come from zero-emission models. Here are the key ZEV milestones:

• 2024: 22% of all new car sales must be EVs.
• 2025: Target increases to 28%.
• 2030: The goal is set at 80%.

Manufacturers that fail to meet these quotas face hefty fines of £15,000 per non-compliant vehicle. However, delays in meeting these targets could have wider consequences for consumers.

According to a recent analysis, a two-year delay in ZEV mandates would lead to an estimated 2.7 million fewer second-hand EVs in the market by 2034. This is concerning since 80% of UK car sales happen in the used car market. A shortage of affordable pre-owned electric vehicles could slow down adoption rates, forcing petrol car drivers to stick with increasingly expensive fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Current Trends in EV Sales

Despite concerns about slow EV adoption, recent figures indicate a significant rise in electric vehicle registrations. In February 2025, battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations in the UK surged 41.7% year-on-year, making up 25.3% of all new car sales, compared to 17.7% the previous year.

However, automakers and policymakers remain divided on the future of the mandate. Nissan, one of the leading electric car manufacturers, has reportedly lobbied UK ministers to relax EV sales targets. Meanwhile, Ford recently announced 4,000 job cuts in Europe, including 800 in the UK, citing an EV sales slowdown as a major factor.

Why Petrol Car Costs May Rise Further

If EV sales growth slows down, petrol car owners may have to brace for additional financial pressures:

1. Fuel Costs: The UK government may increase fuel taxes to incentivize EV adoption, further burdening petrol and diesel drivers.
2. Maintenance Expenses: As fewer petrol vehicles are manufactured, the cost of spare parts and servicing is likely to rise.
3. Environmental Penalties: The UK may introduce additional levies or restrictions on high-emission vehicles to comply with its net-zero targets by 2050.

Will EV Adoption Keep Up?

For consumers looking to switch to EVs, government incentives and second-hand vehicle availability will be key factors. Industry experts believe that government subsidies, improved charging infrastructure, and a robust used-EV market are crucial for ensuring a smooth transition.

However, if delays persist, petrol car drivers could end up paying more for their vehicles while struggling with limited affordable electric alternatives.

Final Thoughts

The potential £1,600 annual surcharge for petrol car drivers highlights the financial risks of a slower EV transition. While the UK government continues to push for higher EV adoption, concerns about affordability and infrastructure remain. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether EVs become widely accessible, or if petrol car owners will have to bear increasing costs as fossil fuel vehicles phase out.

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