RELATED: What is fleet electrification and how do I start?
The Year by Year Targets
The mandate sets separate targets for cars and vans. Cars must reach 28% ZEV in 2025, rising to 33% in 2026, 52% in 2028, 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. Vans follow a slightly slower path starting at 16% in 2025, reaching 24% in 2026, 46% in 2028, 70% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
Manufacturers who miss these targets face penalties of £15,000 per non compliant car and £18,000 per non compliant van. Credit trading and borrowing allowances exist, but the financial pressure is real. This is why OEMs are pushing EVs into fleet channels first.
What This Means for Fleet Managers
82% of new battery electric vehicle registrations in the UK are by companies. Fleets are already leading the EV transition. As the mandate tightens each year, the availability of new diesel and petrol vehicles will shrink. Lead times for ICE vehicles will grow. Pricing for combustion models may increase as manufacturers redirect production toward ZEV targets.
Fleet managers who wait risk paying more for fewer options. Those who plan ahead can lock in better vehicle availability and take advantage of current grant funding for charging infrastructure.
RELATED: What is the total cost of ownership for an electric fleet vs diesel?
Planning Your Charging Infrastructure Now
The grant funding for fleet charging closes March 2026. Installing depot charging before that deadline means accessing up to £15,000 in EV Infrastructure Grant funding per site. It also means your infrastructure is ready before the 2028 and 2030 mandate jumps when EV procurement will accelerate significantly.
We help fleet managers plan and install charging infrastructure that scales with their transition timeline. From initial site survey to grant applications and long term support.
