Will Weaker EV Rules Mean More Expensive Electric Cars

The UK’s decision to weaken its electric vehicle sales mandate could inadvertently lead to higher prices for consumers looking to make the switch. The move relieves the pressure on carmakers to offer the kind of deep discounts that have recently made EVs more affordable.
A key argument from the auto industry was that the strict ZEV mandate was forcing them into an “unsustainable” price war to shift stock and meet quotas. They successfully lobbied the government that this was damaging their ability to invest.
With the mandate now more flexible, the urgency to cut prices to avoid fines has been reduced. Manufacturers will have more leeway to manage their inventory and pricing strategies, which likely means fewer aggressive sales and promotions on electric models.
This creates a potential dilemma for consumers. While the changes ensure a longer supply of new petrol cars, those who want to go electric may find that the path to price parity with fossil-fuel vehicles has just become a little longer and less certain.