Among the headline-grabbing news in Boris Johnson’s Net Zero Strategy published last month was the confirmation that a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate could be put in place by 2024.
The mandate will demand that an increasing percentage of new models sold by manufacturers each year are zero-emission cars, with a credit system in place and financial penalties for those that fail to meet the targets.
But which car makers are best placed to thrive under such laws? We take a look at 43 brand’s current zero-emission-vehicle offering – and what they have planned for the next decade leading up to the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030.
With the UK Government scheduling the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030, we take a look at each major manufacturer’s current EV line-up and what pledges they’ve made to switch to electric
A ZEV mandate – like the one introduced in California in the 1990s – is considered a best solution to bridge the gap to electric car ownership before the internal combustion engine is stricken from showrooms entirely at the end of the decade.
It will also put the onus on car makers to cut the price of their greenest vehicles, rather than the Government having to subsidise the cost of battery models through grants.
In theory, it should accelerate the availability of EVs across different price points, with manufacturers forced to bring to market cars that are suitable – and affordable – for all different types of buyers.
It would also provide industry and government a clearer indication for how quickly Britain needs to scale-up charging infrastructure – and help the Treasury identify when it is set to lose billions from fuel duties and put in place new taxes that impact electric car drivers.
Talks of a ZEV mandate come as the COP26 summit in Glasgow kicks off this week, which bring parties together to accelerate action towards improving Climate Change – something zero-emission cars would help contribute towards.
Here, we will take a look at each car brand’s current zero-emission vehicle line-up – and what their plans are for the near future and how this could be impacted by a mandate.
ALFA ROMEO
Current electric vehicles on sale: Zero
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Will become an all-electric car brand in 2027
Alfa Romeo’s first electrified car doesn’t arrive until next year. The Tonale (seen here in concept form) will be available as a plug-in hybrid. The brand’s first pure EV will follow a year later
Alfa Romeo might appear to be starting on the back foot, given that it currently has no electric vehicles on sale and its first electrified car – the Tonale plug-in hybrid SUV – isn’t due to be revealed until next year.
However, its first full EV is due in 2023, called the Brennero. And surely more models will follow, thanks to the brand’s ownership under the Stellantis banner.
Stellantis is the parent company of Vauxhall/Opel, Peugeot, Citroen and a host of other brands, which opens the door for platform sharing across marques. Brennero, for example, is expected to be a compact SUV that will be underpinned by the same platform used for the Citroen C4, Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka – all of which have full-EV versions.
And by 2027, it has pledged to be an electric-only car brand in key markets, including Europe. So while it might not have many EVs now, it surely will have enough in the pipeline to meet the requirements of a 2024 ZEV mandate.
ASTON MARTIN
Current electric vehicles on sale: Zero
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: ’50 per cent of sales should be electric by 2030,’ says Aston Martin boss
Aston Martin’s first electrified car will be a plug-in hybrid version of the DBX SUV, though its first full-EV won’t arrive until 2025, say bosses. That will be a year after the ZEV mandate is enforced – but smaller-production vehicle makers could be treated differently to volume auto makers when it comes to demands for zero-emission-vehicle sales
Like Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin’s first foray into electrification with be a hybrid SUV, with a petrol-electric powertrain used in its first offroader, the DBX, next year. This will be followed by the arrival of the new hybrid Valhalla hypercar in 2023 – which is also one of the vehicles of choice for 007 in the new Bond film.
But the first fully-electric Aston Martin won’t arrive until 2025 – a year after the ZEV mandate is introduced. However, it’s unknown if manufacturers with smaller production outputs (like Aston has) will be held to the same rules as volume vehicle makers.
Its chief executive recently said that at least half of Aston Martin sales should be electric models by 2030: ‘I would say a minimum of 50 per cent of our sales will be electric, possibly more,’ Tobias Moers said during the Reuters Events Automotive Summit.
By 2030, Aston has said that 90 per cent of its model line-up will be ‘electrified’, though it will continue making cars with combustion engines for those markets that still allow them to be sold.
AUDI
Current electric vehicles on sale: e-tron, e-tron Sportback, e-tron S, e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Q4 e-tron priced from £40,035 (range of 317 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Petrol and diesel engine development to end in 2026
Audi’s Q4 e-tron is one of seven all-electric cars it has on the market currently, and also its cheapest. Though at just over £40,000, it’s not all that affordable. Audi should be well positioned for a ZEV mandate, promising 20 EVs by 2025
Like its luxury German rivals, Audi has started strong with its zero-emission-vehicle offering with seven currently on sale and plenty more to follow.
Yet there isn’t one that costs less than £40,000 in the UK, with the Q4 e-tron being the most affordable. The family-friendly SUV has a range of 317 miles but will cost from £40,035 – meaning it is too expensive to be eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant in its current form.
As for looking to the future, Audi promises to have 20 electric models on sale by 2025 – and bosses say they will ditch petrol and diesel engine development entirely by 2026.
CEO Markus Duesmann said the brand will only release new models that are purely electric from that date, though it will continue to manufacturer existing internal combustion engine models until 2033. That means it should be strongly positioned to thrive with a ZEV mandate in place in the UK.
BENTLEY
Current electric vehicles on sale: Zero
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Bentley to be fully-electric by 2030
Bentley to be electric in 2030: The iconic British brand will ditch petrol engines for good from 2026 and sell only fully-electric models by the end of the decade
Bentley was one of the first brands to pin its colours to the battery mast, announcing last year that it will be a fully-fledged electric car maker by 2030. Its first all-electric model is due in 2025, though it has been selling a hybrid variant of the Bentayga SUV for the last two years – and all models in the range by 2023 will have the choice of a petrol-electric powertrain.
It’s a huge shift for the brand, which will end its 107-year history of selling cars with petrol engines from 2026 as the line-up will be either hybrid of pure EV. The brand, formed in 1919, has also signalled its keen interest longer term in hydrogen-powered electric fuel cells.
Adrian Hallmark, Bentley’s chairman and chief executive, said it was time for ‘profound change’ for the motor maker. ‘We are on a mission. We need to change everything. But our cars in the future will look as inspirational and glorious as they do today,’ he added.
Like Aston Martin, it might escape the full brunt of ZEV mandate penalties due to its relatively small production output.
BMW
Current electric vehicles on sale: i3, i3s, i4, i4 M50, iX, iX3
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: i3 priced from £33,805*/£31,305 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 182-190 mile)
Statement of intent for electrification: Sell two million fully-electric cars to consumers before the end of 2025
BMW’s cheapest model is the i3, which starts at under £34,000. However, its most expensive is this iX SUV, priced from £70k
Like Audi, BMW looks to be in a strong position with the development of its electric car range, which dates back to 2013 when it first introduced the i3. Eight years later and an updated version of that car remains in the line-up – and is the cheapest model the German maker sell, starting at just below £34,000 – which means it qualifies for the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant.
Other battery models currently in showrooms are quite a bit pricier, though, with the iX SUV, for example, starting at a monumental £69,905.
As for looking ahead, BMW estimates that deliveries of EVs will grow more than 50 per cent on average by 2025, with the maker looking to sell two million fully-electric vehicles to customers by the end of the year. By 2030, it plans to have sold 10 million fully electric models, which will represent at least half of global deliveries.
With the intention of having at least 25 ‘electrified’ cars in its range – more than half being battery-only models – by 2023, BMW should be more than well placed to cope with a ZEV mandate in the UK from the following year.
CITROEN
Current electric vehicles on sale: Ami, e-C4, e-Berlingo, e-Spacetourer
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: e-C4 priced from £33,395*/£30,895 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 217 miles) – Ami ‘quadricycle’ priced from approx £6,000 (range of 46 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: An electric option for every model in the range from 2025
The Ami microcar is being sold in Britain from next year with prices to start from around £6,000. It only has a range of 46 miles, two seats, limited luggage space and doesn’t qualify for any EV grants
The French brand says that by 2025 it will have an electric version of every model it sells in the UK, with these likely to be shared with sister maker Peugeot and others within the Stellantis group.
That’s already case for a few models currently, with the e-C4 being the standout passenger car with battery power, offering a range of up to 217 miles for the plug-in family hatchback. It also qualifies for the £2,500 Plug-in Car Grant, bringing the starting price down to just over £30,000.
Also ticking the box for the 2025 ambition is the e-Berlingo and e-Spacetourer MPVs, which are electrified examples of the petrol and diesel namesake.
There’s also the dinky Ami ‘quadricycle’, which Citroen has confirmed will be sold in Britain from next year – though only available in left-hand drive. It has a range of 46 miles and is therefore intended for use in cities for short commutes. Prices should start around £6,000, though because it doesn’t qualify as a car isn’t available for any grants.
CUPRA
Current electric vehicles on sale: None (Born due to arrive in early 2022)
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: To become an electric-only brand from 2030
Cupra’s Born is its first fully-electric model ahead of it becoming an EV-only brand from 2023. Look familiar? It should, as it’s a rebranded VW ID.3 packing a bit of extra handling performance
Cupra – the Spanish sporty spin-off brand from Seat – might not have a zero-emission vehicle on sale at the moment, but it will shortly. The Cupra Born is due to hit showrooms next year, with the hatchback essentially a re-badged Volkswagen ID.3.
In keeping with Cupra’s performance image, the Born should – on paper – be sharper to drive than the VW sister model and the new marque will also want to attract a younger audience with its trademark bronze features and sustainably-sourced cabin materials designed to appeal to Gen-Z customers.
Production of the Born in Martorell, Spain – Europe’s largest electric vehicle factory – marks the start of a new era for the brand, which is headlined by its aspirations to be a fully-electric auto maker by 2030.
‘Our ambition is to produce more than 500,000 urban electric vehicles per year in Spain for different Group brands,’ said CEO Wayne Griffiths.
DACIA
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Parent company Renault to go all-electric in
Dacia already offers the Spring electric SUV in parts of Europe but is still considering whether to put right-hand-drive versions into production for the UK market
Being a manufacturer that specialises in affordable models puts Dacia in a difficult position when it comes to switching to an EV line-up.
It already sells the all-electric Spring SUV in parts of Europe, though for now has no intention to make it available in Britain. It is being advertised as the cheapest EV available in Europe, though has a limited range of 140 miles on a single charge.
As for wider plans to go electric, Dacia has kept its cards close to its chest… for now – though much will depend on its parent brand, Renault, which is the engine provider for current Dacia cars.
Renault says that only one in ten of its models by the end of the decade will have an internal combustion engine under the bonnet. This could put Dacia in a difficult position in terms of a ZEV mandate unless its parent company begins sharing electric powertrains ahead of 2024.
DS AUTOMOBILES
Current electric vehicles on sale: DS3 Crossback E-Tense
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: DS3 Crossback E-Tense from £34,000*/£31,500 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 191 to 206 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: To become an electric-only car brand from 2024
DS says it will be an all-electric car brand by 2024 – perfectly timed for the UK’s ZEV mandate. It currently sells just one EV – the DS3 Crossback E-Tense (pictured)
The DS3 Crossback E-Tense is the French luxury marque’s first – and currently only – electric car. While it shares many of its mechanical parts with the Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka-e, the suspension is tuned to be more cosseting on bumpy roads, and the interior and exterior have flashes of fashion-inspired design. Lower-spec versions also qualify for the Government’s grant.
And more will soon follow, with DS bosses confirmed it will be a fully-electric brand across the globe from 2024 – some four years earlier than other manufacturers under the same Stellantis banner.
This perfectly positions the marque for the UK’s proposed ZEV mandate introduced from the same year.
The next model to come is an EV version of the DS4 and in 2024 we will see a brand new electric-only vehicle designed from the ground up.
FERRARI
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: First full EV to hit the market in 2025
Ferrari currently has a couple of plug-in hybrid supercars – including the SF90 Stradale pictured – but in 2025 will launch its first full EV. However, it has yet to confirm when it intends to go fully electric as a marque
The first zero-emission all-electric Ferrari will hit the market in 2025, bosses at the car company confirmed earlier this year.
Chairman John Elkann said the brand will continue with its electrification strategy, which includes its first battery-only powered model arriving by the middle of the decade – though it hasn’t made any promises to cull the internal combustion engine just yet.
Ferrari’s small production numbers could save it from a ZEV mandate if there are exemptions for niche car makers.
It does already have hybrid cars on sale with EV-only modes. These include the Ferrari SF90 and 296 GTB plug-in hybrids, which can cover a claimed 16 miles without emitting anything from the exhaust pipes.
FIAT
Current electric vehicles on sale: 500 Electric
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: 500 Electric priced from £23,495*/”30,995 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 118 to 190 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Will become an all-electric car brand in 2030
Fiat’s iconic 500 has already made the switch to EV power, which puts the brand in good stead for a ZEV mandate in around two years
Italian car maker Fiat will say ‘arrivederci’ to petrol and diesel engines by 2030, bosses at the manufacturer confirmed earlier this year.
The brand will begin to phase out all combustion-engined models from its global line-up from 2025 – and by the end of the decade will no longer sell passenger cars with a petrol or diesel powerplant under the bonnet.
‘Between 2025 and 2030, our product line-up will gradually become electric only. This will be a radical change for Fiat,’ explained Fiat boss Olivier François in June while outlining the brand’s sustainability vision.
Fiat’s biggest seller is without doubt the 500, which has already gone electric and easily qualifies for the Plug-in Car Grant. The city car has been on sale in the UK since the beginning of the year and by 2024 is likely to provide enough share of Fiat’s total sales to meet ZEV mandate requirements for the brand.
FORD
Current electric vehicles on sale: Mustang Mach-E, Mustang Mach-E GT
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Mustang Mach-E priced from £41,330 (range of 379 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Every Ford sold in Europe from 2030 to be electric-only
Ford already has the mightily impressive Mustang Mach-E electric family car in its fleet – and smaller, more affordable, EVs will follow as it has signed a strategic partnership to use VW’s MEB platform that already underpins the ID.3 and ID.4
Ford, one of the UK’s most popular car brand, announced in February that its entire passenger vehicle line-up in Europe will be electric or plug-in hybrid by mid-2026 – and in 2030 will be all-electric only.
Its first electric-only model on the market is an impressive one, the Mustang Mach-E. Ford took a bold step by using the famed pony car nameplate for its original EV, especially given that Mustang is synonymous with V8 American muscle power. But with 379 miles of range, sporty performance and looks, and a price tag that wipes the floor with a comparable Tesla, it is set to be a big hit. It also recently launched the performance Mach-E GT.
The manufacturer confirmed earlier this year that it will utilise a strategic alliance formed with Volkswagen AG in 2019 in the early phase of its all-electric onslaught.
Ford will use its German partner’s MEB electric vehicle platform to build more affordable models at its Cologne factory, which should strategically place it well for a ZEV mandate in 2024.
GENESIS
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Three electric cars in its debut year in Europe and only new EVs from 2025
The first electric Genesis will be the G80, which will be followed by another two battery models. The Korean brand says it will only launch EV models from 2025
Genesis is the new kid on the block. The luxury arm of Hyundai was created just half a decade ago and has this year broken into Europe.
Three electric cars will arrive within 12 months of the Korean brand setting up shop – the first being an electric version of the G80 luxury saloon, with prices estimated to start from around £60,000. Performance is more than respectable: 365bhp and a full-capacity battery range of around 311 miles.
A further two battery electric cars – one built on a dedicated electric platform – will also be launched within the first year in Europe as part of the product roll-out.
These should make up a good percentage of the line-up, which is great news for a brand launching around the same time as a mandate to sell a specific number of zero-emission vehicles.
HONDA
Current electric vehicles on sale: Honda e
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Honda e priced from £31,665*/£29,165 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 137 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Three electric cars in its debut year in Europe and only new EVs from 2025
The Honda e is the debut electric model in Europe, but we’re expecting to see plenty more from 2022 onwards as part of the brand’s commitment to go green
Honda recently shared details of its electrification strategy but has focused much of the detail on its plans for the Chinese market only. This includes two production vehicles and three concepts under a new ‘e:N Series’ branding. The Japanese firm even says it will introduce 10 EVs in the next five years, though we’re unsure which are coming to Europe – something likely to be confirmed next year.
What we do know is that Honda’s wider ambition is for 100 per cent of its European sales to be ‘electrified’ by 2022 – so either hybrids of pure electrics.
That should see its range becoming better prepared to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission cars.
For now, the one battery-only model in the range is the supremely cute Honda e. With a range of 137 miles, it isn’t the longest-trekking EV on the market, but it is designed for urban use and not trotting up and down the country.
HYUNDAI
Current electric vehicles on sale: Ioniq Electric, Ioniq 5, Kona Electric, Nexo (hydrogen FCEV)
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Kona Electric priced from £30,450*/£27,950 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 155 to 300 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Become the world’s third-largest EV maker by 2025
Hyundai already has a number of quality pure electric models in its range. By 2025, it wants to be the world’s third-largest EV producer
Hyundai’s zero emission vehicle plan is a two-pronged assault – it has fully-electric models on the market and more to follow imminently, but is also one of the brand’s already selling a hydrogen fuel cell electric car too.
The Nexo converts hydrogen to electricity in a fuel cell, rather than storing it in a battery – and this is technology Hyundai has committed to keep exploring, with British newcomer Ineos Automotive signing a partnership with the Korean maker. However, Nexo prices are pretty high – almost £70,000, in fact – which puts them beyond the realms of most consumers.
Its Kona, Ioniq Electric hatch and Ioniq 5 crossover are a different story. The Kona, for example, can cover up to 300 miles on a single charge, granted you buy one with a 64kWh battery (prices starting from just over £35,000). An Ioniq 6 saloon is due in 2022 and an Ioniq 7 SUV in 2024.
The brand says these additional releases should make it the world’s third-largest electric car maker by 2025, which will be ideal for a ZEV mandate. Yet, Hyundai has said it won’t abandon petrol and diesel engines in Europe until 2035.
INEOS AUTOMOTIVE
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Testing of its Grenadier 4X4 with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain to begin next year
Inoes Automotive will commence testing of a hydrogen fuel cell Grenadier 4X4 from next year, it has confirmed
Ineos Automotive, spearheaded by billionaire boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will commence production of its new Grenadier utilitarian offroader next year.
While it will launch with BMW-supplied petrol and diesel engines, the brand has also agreed to partner with Hyundai for the co-development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Recently it confirmed it had also joined forces with powertrain engineering specialist, AVL, to build the Grenadier FCEV Concept and will begin on- and off-road testing by the end of 2022.
Sir Jim says: ‘We believe that hydrogen is the fuel of the future and Ineos is determined to take a leading role in its development. When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen only produces water and is the UK’s best chance of reaching its carbon reduction targets.’
JAGUAR
Current electric vehicles on sale: I-Pace
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: I-Pace priced from £65,245 (range of 292 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Confirmed it will be a ‘pure-electric luxury brand’ from 2025 and kill off its entire petrol and diesel range
Jaguar will become an ‘all-electric luxury brand’ in 2025, which places it perfectly for a ZEV mandate that’s due a year earlier than that
Jaguar was the first premium car maker to put it to Tesla in 2018 with the launch of the I-Pace SUV – a car that continues to impress today and will be used to transport delegates around Glasgow this week during the COP26 summit.
In February, bosses outlined Jaguar’s intention to be an ‘all-electric luxury brand’ from 2025. The move will see Jaguar completely axe the petrol engines that made its name within the next three years.
This is great news for Jaguar in terms of a ZEV mandate, as a year after it is introduced the brand will only be selling battery-only models.
JLR CEO Thierry Bollore said the brand’s new ‘Reimagine’ strategy also committing to retaining its production facilities in the UK.
JEEP
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Confirmed it will be a ‘pure-electric luxury brand’ from 2025 and kill off its entire petrol and diesel range
Jeep already sells a few plug-in hybrids (like the Renegade pictured) but has promised all-electric models will hit the market during the decade and be the ‘best Jeeps ever built’
Jeep already has plug-in hybrid versions of its current range, including a Renegade, Compass and – shortly – a Grand Cherokee too.
Jeep’s boss, Christian Meunier, confirmed that pure-electric Jeeps will follow over the course of the decade – and will be the ‘best Jeeps ever built’.
How quickly they arrive could determine how well prepared the US maker is for a ZEV mandate – but it can buy credits from sister brands making up the Stellantis group if those EVs arrive after the UK laws change.
KIA
Current electric vehicles on sale: e-Niro, EV6, Soul EV
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: e-Niro priced from £32,895*/£30,395 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 180 to 282 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Some 11 EVs on the market by 2025
The Kia EV6 is one of the most impressive electric cars on the market today. Kia says it will have 11 pure EVs on sale by 2025. If they’re anything like this one, they should be well positioned when a ZEV mandate comes around
While the Soul EV might feel a little long in the tooth by electric car standards, the e-Niro is an exceptionally good argument for switching away from petrol and diesel power now.
It’s latest car, the EV6, is a stunning example of what is to come from the Korean car brand, with rakish good looks and performance stats that will rival any battery-powered model.
By 2025, Kia tells us it will have 11 pure-electric cars on sale worldwide, investing a joint £85million with sister brand Hyundai into UK tech company, Arrival, to develop pure-electric small and medium-size vans.
With EV models already cementing their position on the market, achieving what the Government deems an acceptable percentage of total sales by 2024 should be no issue.
LAMBORGHINI
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Every model sold will feature hybridisation by end of 2024 – but no ZEVs planned
Lamborghini will offer hybrid versions of all its cars – including the returning Countach (pictured) – by the end of 2024, but has no fully-electric models planned yet
Supercar maker Lamborghini says its transition to greener vehicles will start with it electrifying its entire range of models by the end of 2024.
CEO Stephan Winkelmann announced earlier this year that the iconic marque will invest €1.5billion (£1.3million) over the course of the next four years that will see all cars in its line-up switch to petrol-electric hybrid powertrains.
However, unlike main rival Ferrari, Lamborghini has yet to rubber stamp when it will sell its first fully-electric vehicle – and has pledged to continue development of its V12 engine until 2022, including the launch of two new models this year, one of them being the reborn Countach.
As far as a ZEV mandate goes, any financial penalties on smaller brands could sting EV-free Lamborghini’s profits.
LAND ROVER
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Will launch six new pure electric models in the next five years and every car in its range will have an electric option by 2030 – starting with the Range Rover in 2024
The first electric Land Rover will be the all-new Range Rover, with a battery-only version promised for 2024
While Land Rover’s sister brand, Jaguar, entered the EV market three years ago with the I-Pace, Land Rover hasn’t started its transition yet – and won’t do for a couple of years.
The first full-EV model will be the all-new Range Rover, which has been promised for 2024.
It will be followed by four other pure-electric variants over the next five years and every car in its range will have an electric option by 2030.
Land Rover has a job on its hands moving away from the diesel power that’s underpinned its success for years, but the promises being made suggest it should be able to sell a decent fraction of EVs by 2024’s ZEV mandate.
LEXUS
Current electric vehicles on sale: UX300e
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: UX300e priced from £41,745 (range of 196 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: More than half of Lexus’ global sales by 2025 will be electric
Lexus already has the UX300e on the market, but its maximum range of 196 miles is some way short of rivals and likely not enough for drivers who will need to spend over £40,000 to buy one. It will accelerate its EV game ahead of the ZEV mandate being enforced in the UK
Lexus – the premium arm of Toyota – has plenty of experience with hybrids, but not so much with pure electric cars.
The brand’s debut EV model – the UX300e – is on sale now, but only offers a range of up to 196 miles, which is a little short of rival crossovers already on the market.
It has promised a second electric crossover in 2022 that can go further on a single charge thanks to a much larger-capacity battery.
The Japanese firm says a total of 10 new hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric models will be launched by 2025 – and these will account for more than half of its global sales. How many of these are pure-electric registrations could be accelerated by the ZEV mandate.
LOTUS
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: A 200mph £2million electric hypercar will spark its electric revolution
The Evija electric hypercar arriving next year signals the start of Lotus’ electric charge. While that model will be produced in limited numbers and cost around £2million, it is planning EVs more people other than billionaires can afford
Lotus’ Evija electric hypercar is due to arrive in 2022, promising 1,973bhp, 0-to-62mph in less than three seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph. Only 130 will be made and each will cost £2million.
It signals the start of an electric charge, with an SUV, family saloon and more affordable sports cars hinted by 2026.
Being tiny in terms of production outputs, a ZEV mandate will hopefully be forgiving to the Norfolk auto maker.
MAZDA
Current electric vehicles on sale: MX-30
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: MX-30 priced from £28,545*/£26,045 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 124 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: A dedicated EV platform by 2025 and 25 per cent of all sales to be EVs by 2030
The MX-30’s 124-mile range won’t be for everyone. However, from 2025 there will be a new dedicated EV platform for Mazda, which could see performance improved dramatically. Some of the Japanese maker’s proposals for its shift to zero-emission cars sound like it could lag behind rivals
The MX-30 is Mazda’s debut electric car. It’s definitely unique, with a funky design and attention-grabbing coachdoors. But the range of 124 miles is measly compared to rivals. That said, Mazda says it is a car aimed at those living in urban areas.
More impressive EVs are due, with three all-electric cars coming between 2022 and 2025. Mazda is then promising a dedicated EV platform by 2025. Then it will add multiple models to its electric portfolio in the second half of the decade.
In major markets, it’s aiming for 25 per cent of all sales being pure electric by 2030.
It might need to revise that estimate if a ZEV mandate arrives in the UK in 2024.
MERCEDES-BENZ
Current electric vehicles on sale: EQA, EQB, EQC, EQS, EQV (EQE confirmed for 2022)
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: EQA priced from £44,495 (range of 263 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: All new cars from 2025 to be electric – fully electric line-up by 2030
Mercedes already has six pure EV models on sale and will have a zero emission car in every segment it occupies by the end of next year. It would likely be able to meet the demands of a ZEV if introduced now, let alone in 2024. However, prices are high, starting at almost £45,000 for the EQA SUV (pictured)
Mercedes-Benz has already said it will sell only pure electric vehicles from 2030. It’s rapidly moving in that direction too, with a battery-electric car on sale in every segment it occupies in 2022 and from 2025 onward it will only launch new battery-electric architecture.
This offensive is well underway with six pure EVs already on sale – or due to be from next year – and all of them under the brand’s ‘EQ’ moniker. It will even have an electric G-Wagen by 2025, it says.
Prices are steep, though. The most affordable EV it currently sells – also its smallest – is the EQA SUV, which is priced from £45,000.
Still, Mercedes’ strategy means it can laugh in the face of any ZEV mandate put in front of it by MPs.
MG MOTOR UK
Current electric vehicles on sale: 5 EV, ZS
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: 5 EV priced from £27,595*/£25,095 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 214 to 250 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Already selling capable electric cars that are proving popular – no ZEV future commitment, yet
MG already has two electric models in its range – and both of them are very well priced indeed. The Chinese-owned brand says around a third of its sales are currently cars with batteries, either hybrid or fully-electric – a perfectly good starting point if a ZEV mandate is introduced
MG is a relative newcomer [or returnee, depending on how you consider its new Chinese ownership] to the market, and its success under SAIC’s (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) watchful eye has been down to a combination of affordable pricing and the offering of attainable electric cars.
The 5 EV and ZS crossover both drastically undercut the competition on price – only electric city cars and superminis are cheaper than these family motors. The refreshed ZS now offers up to 273 miles of range, which shouldn’t be sniffed at.
The brand’s EV assault is going great guns, with a third of sales electrified models – a solid percentage ahead of a ZEV in 2024.
It has yet to make a public declaration about going all-electric this decade, though. That said, it has confirmed the release of an electric coupe, which could have in excess of 300 miles of range and cost less than £30,000.
MINI
Current electric vehicles on sale: Mini Electric
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Mini Electric priced from £28,500*/£26,000 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 140 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Electric cars to make up 50 per cent of sales by 2027; EV-only brand by 2030
Mini already has the Mini Electric, which is produced at Plant Oxford in the UK. Its parent company, BMW Group, says half of all Mini sales will be zero-emission cars by 2027
Mini’s parent company, BMW Group, confirmed that Mini will transform into a fully-electric brand by 2030, with set deadlines already set in stone for how it will transition.
It will launch its final new model with an internal combustion engine under the bonnet in 2025, hoping this will see half of all sales being electric cars by 2027. This should see it conform to requirements of a ZEV mandate in 2024.
Currently, it only has the Mini Electric hatchback in its fleet, which is built at Plant Oxford and offers a – not-all-that-inspiring – full-charge range of 140 miles.
It has said an all-electric Countryman is going to come in the next two years.
NISSAN
Current electric vehicles on sale: Leaf, e-NV200 Combi
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Leaf priced from £28,495*/£25,995 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 168 to 239 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Electric cars to make
The Ariya SUV will join the Leaf and e-NV200 Combi MPV in Nissan’s electric line-up next year. The Japanese firm says it won’t be a fully-electric car maker until the early 2030s
Nissan is one of the car makers that has put the UK at the centre of its electric vehicle plans, announcing as battery-making gigaplant to be built in Sunderland, where the Japanese giant’s car factory already produces one of the EV models it sells, the Leaf.
However, other than the Leaf, Nissan’s electric vehicle range isn’t that extensive, comprising of only the van-derived e-NV200 people carrier alongside the electric family hatchback.
That said, the new Ariya crossover – manufactured in Japan – is due to hit the market in a matter of months.
The brand could face some problems meeting a ZEV mandate, though. It last said in an official statement that it is aiming for a 100 per cent electrified model line-up ‘by the early 2030s’, which will see it lag behind rivals.
PEUGEOT
Current electric vehicles on sale: e-208, e-2008, e-Rifter
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: e-208 priced from £29,725*/£27,225 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 217 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: A 100 per cent ‘electrified range’ by 2025 – but not necessarily zero-emissions
Peugeot’s e-208 and e-2008 crossover (pictured) are both exceptionally handsome models with plenty of range for their respective segments. The French brand wants to 100% ‘electrify’ its model line-up by 2025 – but that means both pure-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
It’s been a solid start to adapting to electrified cars for the French brand, with the e-208 and e-2008 – mechanically similar to the Vauxhall Corsa-e and Mokka-e – being classy, handsome machines with plenty of range for their respective segments.
As with sister mainstream brands under the Stellantis banner, electrification is at the heart of the Peugeot’s strategy.
It says that 70 per cent of the range in its showrooms by the end of the year will be electrified, either offering a full-electric or plug-in hybrid option.
By 2023, it expects this to be upped to 85 per cent and full electrification across the line-up will arrive by 2025. However, what the share of hybrid and full-electric will be has yet to be disclosed, which could impact its ability to adhere to ZEV mandate’s requirements coming in 2024.
POLESTAR
Current electric vehicles on sale: Polestar 2
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Polestar 2 priced from £39,900 (range of 275 to 336 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: An all-electric car brand with Volvo quality
Polestar is an electric-only spin-off for Volvo, so a ZEV mandate is not going to be a problem for this marque at all
The spin-off electric-only arm of Volvo is a recent new addition to the market. It originally launched the Polestar 1, an exclusive – and ludicrously expensive – hybrid performance car, but models to follow will be more affordable, and more electric.
The Polestar 2 saloon on sale in a quality vehicle – one to definitely consider as an alternative to a Tesla Model 3 – and a Polestar 3 SUV will be arriving next year.
Being an electric-only brand, a ZEV mandate makes no different to this new kid on the block.
PORSCHE
Current electric vehicles on sale: Taycan, Taycan Cross Turismo
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Taycan priced from £72,850 (range of 254 to 301 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Its all-electric Taycan is already outselling the iconic 911. Porsche says 80% of sales by 2030 will be partially or fully electric
Incredibly, Porsche sold more electric Taycans (pictured) than its iconic 911 sportscar in the first three quarters of 2021
While many sportscar brands are delaying or refusing to put an exact deadline for when they will ditch big-capacity petrol engines, Porsche has already started to make the transition.
The Taycan and Taycan Cross Turismo sports car are genuine performance models that will make you think twice about hankering after a Porsche with an internal combustion engine. In fact, the German firm sold more Taycans than its iconic 911 in the first nine months of 2021.
Porsche says its expects at least 80 per cent of its vehicles sold globally to be partially or fully electric by 2030 – though it is the 911 that will be last on the list to shift to greener powertrains, with CEO Oliver Blume saying the legendary sportscar will be the ‘last Porsche which is going for full electrification,’ – and that’s if the nameplate is survived beyond the ban on new petrol cars.
Pure-electric versions of the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster models are set to come soon, too. By 2024 – based on current sales records – Porsche could be well-placed to meet the demands of a ZEV mandate.
RENAULT
Current electric vehicles on sale: Zoe
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Zoe priced from £29,995*/£27,595 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 238 to 245 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Eight pure electric cars on sale by 2025
Renault says it will have eight electric cars on sale by 2025 – one of them being a funky EV-only reborn Renault 5 compact model (concept R5 pictured)
Renault’s portfolio of electric cars is pretty limited at the moment, but efforts to bolster it will start next year.
The Megane E-Tech Electric family hatchback will join the long-standing Zoe next year, and Renault promises that it will have eight full-EVs on sale by 2025. Two of those are legendary name plates – the Renault 5 and 4 – which have been confirmed to be relaunched as electric-only models before the middle of the decade.
Like sister brand Nissan, there’s no definitive date for the last petrol and diesel engine to be sold.
But, considering it only sells nine models today, eight electric-only vehicles by 2025 should be a good standing for a ZEV mandate from 2024.
SEAT
Current electric vehicles on sale: Mii Electric
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Mii Electric priced from £25,300*/£22,800 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 160 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Little information about new EV models or a transition away from petrol and diesel…for now
Seat currently only has the Mii Electric city car on sale – and there are no concrete dates for when it will be joined by other zero-emission models
If you want a small city run-around with a decent range, the Seat Mii Electric is a good option. It can go for 160 miles between full charges and offers a versatile package with plenty of room, five doors and a suitably big boot for such a dinky vehicle.
However, Seat hasn’t yet revealed plans to follow the Mii with any new battery-powered models.
A rebadged Volkswagen ID.3 is likely, though Seat’s performance arm – Cupra – has been promised that first with the new Born (covered above in this article).
Given VW Group’s big plans for electrification, Seat is unlikely to be left out in the internal-combustion-engine cold, so expect the Spanish marque to have a larger portfolio of EVs by the time a ZEV mandate comes in 2024.
SKODA
Current electric vehicles on sale: Enyaq iV
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Enyaq iV priced from £34,510*/£32,010 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 256 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Will have 10 ‘electrified’ models in various segments by 2025 – six of which will be all-electric
Skoda says that by 2025 it will have six pure-electric models in its range. Currently, it has just one – the Enyaq iV (pictured)
Skoda had previously sold a Citigo-e iV (sister to the Seat Mii Electric), though that was on sale in the UK for an exceptionally short time. Since, the Czech brand has brought us the Enyaq iV, which is a rebadged VW ID.4 SUV.
Cheaper than its VW equivalent, the Enyaq is one of the more affordable family models on the market to date – and one with a decent amount of range (256 miles on a full charge).
By 2025, Skoda says its portfolio will include 10 electrified models in various segments, six of which will be all-electric, the others will be plug-in hybrids and hybrids. That’s pretty good timing for a ZEV mandate due in the UK for 2024.
One of those will almost certainly be a sportier Enyaq iV based on the Vision iV concept, which had a claimed 300-mile range.
SMART
Current electric vehicles on sale: EQ Fortwo, EQ Fortwo Cabrio, EQ Forfour
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: EQ Fortwo priced from £22,850*/£20,350 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 70 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Already an electric-only brand
At the 2021 Munich Mobility Show, Smart unveiled this concept crossover. It will likely share a platform with the Mercedes EQA and be on sale in 2023. Smart has been an electric-only marque since 2019, so a ZEV mandate is no water off its back
Smart has a jumpstart on most rivals when it comes to adhering to a ZEV mandate, having ditched combustion engines entirely in 2019.
Currently, the only Smarts on sale today are EQ versions of the Fortwo and Forfour, which have relatively paltry ranges compared to other electric city cars on the market.
Though Smart confirmed this year it is planning a much bigger crossover, which will likely share a platform with the Mercedes-Benz EQA and be available from 2023.
SSANGYONG
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: First electric car – the Korando e-Motion – is due before the end of the year
This is SsangYong’s first attempt at an EV, the Korando e-Motion, which is due on sale before the end of this year. By 2024, the maker says it will have a dedicate EV platform that will be used to underpin an expanding range of zero-emission vehicles
SsangYong’s first pure-electric vehicle, the Korando e-Motion, is due on sale before the end of 2021 and will be a rival to the MG ZS with a range of around 200 miles.
The company has also announced that it is accelerating the development of its next EV, a medium-sized SUV under the project name J100, with the plan to launch in 2022.
Bosses also confirmed this year that the brand is developing an all-new EV platform and aims to launch its first vehicles on that architecture by 2024 – ideally in time for a UK ZEV mandate to offset its high volume of diesel sales.
SUBARU
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Will partner with Toyota to develop electric models
Subaru is due to take the wraps off its first EV, called the Solterra, in a matter of weeks
Subaru has promised to launch its first full EV called the Solterra in Europe next year, having signed a new partnership with Toyota to ramp up the development of zero-emission-vehicle powertrains.
The Solterra will be the sister car to Toyota’s just-launched bZ4X (more info covered in the Toyota segment below) and shares dimensions with the long-running Forester model.
Beyond the use of the shared platforms with its Japanese partner, Subaru has released no further technical details of the new EV and how many electric cars it intends to have in its range by 2024.
SUZUKI
Current electric vehicles on sale: None
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: n/a
Statement of intent for electrification: Like Subaru, has also partnered with Toyota for an EV alliance
Every model Suzuki sells currently is hybrid, but its plans for a fully-electric range are yet to be disclosed. It recently signed a partnership with Toyota to develop future zero-emission cars
Suzuki is another brand to have entered a joint venture with Toyota to produce EVs.
The Japanese marque will join the coalition led by Toyota to help the alliance expand its existing focus from trucks to smaller cars.
There are no further details beyond this regarding new Suzuki models, sales targets or a full transition to an electric range.
Currently, all cars it sells are hybrid, though it will need to bolster those credentials ahead of a ZEV mandate in 2024.
TESLA
Current electric vehicles on sale: Model 3, Model S, Model Y, Model X
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Model 3 priced from £41,990 (range of 278 to 360 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: The world’s most valuable electric car maker looks set to dominate ahead of 2024
The Model Y is the latest Tesla to go on sale in the UK as of the fourth quarter of 2021. Its line-up of electric cars will continue to blossom ahead of a ZEV mandate in 2024
One brand that won’t even sniffle at the concept of a ZEV mandate is US EV maker Tesla, which has gone from strength to strength in the UK in recent years.
Deliveries of the Model Y are due to begin in Britain shortly and the Model 3 has been a best-seller in four months in the last 12 months.
With the introduction of tri-motor cars across the line-up with huge ranges – including the new Model S Plaid due to arrive in 2022 – Tesla’s domination of the EV market looks set to continue.
It will also launch the next-generation Roadster, though delayed until 2023 due to a shortage of components, which promises a 620-mile range and sprint to 60mph in less than two seconds.
TOYOTA
Current electric vehicles on sale: Mirai FCEV
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Mirai FCEV priced from £49,995 (range of 400 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Expects to have 10 electric models on sale by 2025 – the first being the recently unveiled bZ4x SUV
This is Toyota’s new bz4x SUV – its first electric model with batteries and not a hydrogen fuel cell. The Japanese brand promises to have nine other cars like this in its range by 2025
Having been the leading brand for green eco cars with the launch of the Prius before the turn of the century and a plethora of hybrid cars since, Toyota has somehow slipped towards the back of the pecking order when it comes to the transition to electric vehicles.
It’s original plan appeared to be experimenting with alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, having launched two version of its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car. While the new saloon is just shy of £50,000, the original cost in excess of £65,000 – prices that have made it hugely unpopular with potential customers.
It has recently changed tactic, though, partnering with a number of other Japanese car makers to develop future battery-electric models that should see it well placed for a ZEV mandate in two years’ time.
It now expects to have 10 battery models in its global portfolio by 2025, the first being the just unveiled bZ4x, which has a range of ‘more than 280 miles’.
VAUXHALL
Current electric vehicles on sale: Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Combo-e
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: Corsa-e priced from £29,940*/£27,440 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 209 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: By 2024, every car Vauxhall makes will have a hybrid or electric variant, it promises
Vauxhall will sell a Corsa-e in 2023, which will join the Corsa-e and Mokka-e already on sale.
Vauxhall has made a successful start to its switch to EVs, with the Corsa-e in particular proving hugely popular and contributing to the supermini being at the top of the sales charts this year.
A revised – and much funkier – Mokka-e is also available along with a Combo-e MPV. And there are much more to follow.
It previous said it will launch eight new pure-electric models by the end of 2021, which it has probably achieved if including electric vans in the calculation. By 2024, every car Vauxhall makes will have a hybrid or electric variant, it promises.
One of these cars will be an electric variant of the new Astra, due in 2023, and Vauxhall is also expected to relaunch the legendary Monza nameplate for an electric model for 2024.
VOLKWAGEN
Current electric vehicles on sale: ID.3, ID.4
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: ID.3 priced from £33,435*/£30,935 with Plug-in Car Grant (range of 217 to 263 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: VW has a goal of 70 per cent of all new cars in Europe to be fully electric by 2030
Volkswagen already has the impressive ID.3 hatchback (pictured) and ID.4 SUV in its arsenal of electric cars. It expects 70% of car sales in Europe to be fully electric by 2030, which puts it in good stead for a ZEV mandate in the UK in 2024
The 2015 dieselgate scandal kick-started Volkswagen’s pledge to make more economical cars, and it is delivering on its promises to electrify its range.
Its first attempts at electric cars were existing models with batteries slung into them – like the e-Up! and e-Golf – but it now has a dedicated line-up under the ‘ID’ banner, which started with the impressive ID.3 – a family hatchback that’s almost identical in size to the Golf. Sales are so strong that it could already be meeting the requirements of a ZEV mandate today.
An ID.4 SUV is also on sale in the UK – with a hot ID.4 GTX hitting the market shortly – and a bigger ID.5 is due to follow next year. We’re also waiting for the production version of the ID.Buzz microbus to be unveiled.
The range of EV models will continue to expand until 2035, when every car sold by VW in Europe will be powered by batteries and electric motors. The goal is for 70 per cent of all new Volkswagen cars to be fully electric by 2030.
VOLVO
Current electric vehicles on sale: C40 Recharge, XC40 Recharge
Cheapest electric vehicle on sale: XC40 Recharge priced from £48,300 (range of 260 miles)
Statement of intent for electrification: Sales by 2025 to be split 50-50 between electric and hybrid and Volvo will sell only electric cars from 2030
Volvo says that 50% of its global sales should be fully-electric cars (like the C40 Recharge pictured) by 2025. From 2030, it will remove all petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles from its virtual showrooms
Volvo has two fully-electric models in its fleet currently – the XC40 Recharge launched last year and recently released C40 Recharge, both of them compact SUVs.
They offer practical full-charge ranges but are on the pricey side. But Volvo will up its games in the next couple of years to meet strict targets it set out in 2021.
The Swedish carmaker, which is owned by Hangzhou-based Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, announced earlier this year that 50 per cent of its global sales should be fully-electric cars by 2025 – and the other half hybrid models. A perfect position for any car brand facing a ZEV mandate from 2024.
And from 2025, it will release a pure-electric model every year until 2030 when it will banish petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles from its virtual showrooms, selling only EVs online.
