UK poised to water down 2030 EV sales targets after industry and union pressure

The UK government is preparing to consult on less ambitious targets for the transition to fully battery-powered electric cars over the rest of the decade. This move comes after significant lobbying from the automotive industry and trade unions, who warned that the current 2030 targets would penalize manufacturers and jeopardize jobs. Labour leader Keir Starmer is reportedly ready to overrule Ed Miliband on this issue, signaling a potential shift in policy. The original 2030 target aimed for a substantial portion of new car sales to be electric, but manufacturers have expressed concerns about the pace of infrastructure development and consumer adoption. The government's decision to consider revising these targets reflects a response to these industry pressures and concerns about economic impact and employment within the automotive sector.