Government's EV targets expected to be reduced this week

The government launched a review into its policy to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035

The UK government’s electric vehicle (EV) targets are expected to be reduced this week in a move likely to be welcomed by carmakers but opposed by environmental groups.

Under the current rules, 80% of new cars sold in the UK must be electric by 2030 but industry groups have long called for “urgent relief”.

New petrol or diesel cars are due to be phased out by 2030 and by 2035 all new cars must be zero emission.

But the speed of the transition to electric has been hotly debated, including within the cabinet.

The government has been consulting on reducing its 80% rule and a significant reduction is now expected.

Downing Street has insisted no decision has been made.

A government source told the BBC it would approach the issue in a “pragmatic and balanced” way.

If ministers do decide on a steeper watering-down of the rules, it will arguably be interpreted by some – alongside the approval of the Jackdaw gas field – as Prime MInister Andy Burnham prioritising economic considerations over environmental ones.

Sustainability groups say any weakening of the 2030 target will threaten the UK’s long-term electrification and climate goals.

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