New cabinet could revisit ZEV Mandate and eVED

FleetCheck believes the appointment of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new cabinet presents an opportunity for the fleet sector to reopen discussions on two of its most controversial policies – the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate and Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED).

Peter Golding, CEO of the fleet management software specialist, said the new administration’s emphasis on supporting businesses and easing financial pressures could create the right environment to reconsider measures that have proved challenging for fleets.

“We’ve heard very little so far about transport from the new prime minister, but he does keep reiterating themes of being both business friendly and making life easier and less financially stressful for ordinary people,” said Golding.

“Both the ZEV Mandate and eVED would seem to us to fall into these categories. They are policies that are expensive and add complication for companies operating cars and vans, and for motorists, too.”

Golding acknowledged that fleet issues are unlikely to be among the government’s immediate priorities but said the industry would welcome the chance to engage with the new transport team in the coming months.

“While we understand that fleet is not at the top of the government’s agenda, it would be positive for the sector to be able to open discussions with the appropriate new ministers and their teams in a matter of weeks or months to express our concerns,” he said.

He argued that both eVED and the ZEV Mandate reflected a traditional Treasury-led approach to policymaking, where financial objectives can outweigh practical considerations for businesses and motorists.

“One of the criticisms of the Starmer government was that it too easily succumbed to what is sometimes called ‘Treasury brain’ – ideas that make financial sense for policy makers but not always for the people to whom they are applied,” Golding said.

“There have been noises from within the Burnham camp that they’d like to listen more closely and hopefully that approach will extend to policies that affect fleets. Especially, if we are able to see further changes to eVED or secure a delay, that would be a win for the fleet sector.”

FleetCheck said a review of the policies could help reduce costs and administrative burdens for fleet operators while ensuring the transition to zero-emission vehicles remains practical and commercially sustainable.