Conservative response to SMMT analysis on EV transition

Richard Holden MP, Shadow Transport Secretary, said:

“It is time the Government's EV mandate ended.

“The Conservatives are clear that we should be support British innovation across technologies while giving drivers the freedom to choose the vehicles that work for them, not saddle hardworking families and UK manufacturers with top down mandates and higher costs.

“A future Conservative Government will scrap this mandate, end Labour's 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars, and restore freedom of a free choice market rather than chasing net zero dogma.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have published a report on the progress on the electric vehicle transition (SMMT, Same destination, Smarter route, 12 March 2026, link).