Automaker Nissan has praised the UK government’s “pragmatic approach” to its electric vehicle policy, a clear signal of satisfaction after its successful lobbying efforts to have the rules made more lenient.
In a statement, a Nissan spokesperson welcomed the changes, highlighting the “introduction of consumer incentives designed to bring consumer demand closer to ZEV mandate requirements.” This reflects the industry’s core argument that the original policy unfairly penalised manufacturers for a lack of consumer readiness.
Nissan had previously warned the government that the costs of the original mandate would become “critical” and harm UK-based research and development. The amended policy, with its new “flexibilities,” has addressed these concerns, providing the company with more operational breathing room.
While Nissan and other carmakers celebrate this pragmatism, environmental groups have condemned it as a shortsighted concession. They argue that the government has mistaken industry pressure for market reality, thereby slowing down a vital environmental transition.