Tesla privately warned UK that weakening EV rules would hit sales

"Tesla privately warned the UK government that weakening electric vehicle rules would hit battery car sales and risk the country missing its carbon dioxide targets, according to newly revealed documents. The US electric carmaker, run by Elon Musk, also called for support for the used-car market, according to submissions to a government consultation earlier this year obtained by the Fast Charge, a newsletter covering electric cars. The Labour government in April worried some electric carmakers by weakening rules, known as the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate."

"Tesla argued it was essential for electric car sales that the government did not introduce new loopholes, known as flexibilities. Changes will suppress battery electric vehicle (BEV) supply, carry a significant emissions impact and risk the UK missing its carbon budgets, Tesla said. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, alarmed carmakers further at the budget with the promised imposition of a pay-per-mile charge on electric cars from 2028, which is likely to reduce their attractiveness relative to much more polluting petrol and diesel models."

Tesla warned that weakening electric vehicle rules would reduce battery-electric vehicle sales and risk the UK missing carbon dioxide targets. The company also urged support for the used-car market in submissions to a government consultation. The Labour government in April relaxed elements of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, introducing new loopholes that allow more petrol and diesel sales. Several manufacturers said the mandate harmed investment because they sold EVs at a loss, while environmental groups and EV-focused brands said the mandate was effective. The budget's planned pay-per-mile charge from 2028 may further discourage EV uptake, although grants for new EVs were extended.

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