Stellantis meets UK Government’s electric vehicle sales targets for 2024, despite factory closure plans
The company reports a 59% increase in electric vehicle sales, fulfilling the zero-emission vehicle mandate amid plans to close its Luton van factory
Stellantis has confirmed it met the UK Government's electric vehicle (EV) sales requirements for 2024, fulfilling the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate "through sales" last year. The company, which is set to close its Vauxhall van manufacturing plant in Luton and reduce its workforce by 1,100 jobs, achieved this target through strong sales of its electric vehicle range.
Under the ZEV mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell at least 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans as zero-emission vehicles in 2024, Stellantis reported 39,492 electric car sales in the UK, representing a 59% increase from 2023. This resulted in a 10% share of the UK’s electric car market. Stellantis currently offers 30 electric car and van models across 11 brands.
"2024 saw more people than ever purchase an EV, and I'd like to thank our customers who have decided to switch to electric with one of our brands," said Eurig Druce, group managing director of Stellantis UK. "Despite offering a very comprehensive line-up of popular electric cars and vans, and a strong focus on making our EVs as attainable as possible, the steep trajectories of the ZEV mandate are out of step from current demand."
The ZEV mandate sets targets that rise each year, with the goal of 28% of new cars and 16% of new vans being electric by 2025, and 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans by 2030. Manufacturers that fail to meet these targets face fines, though there are options to purchase credits from other companies to offset shortfalls.
Stellantis' performance has been noted by EV lobbyists. Colin Walker, head of transport at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said, "Suggestions that the car industry was struggling, and that the ZEV mandate target was too onerous, have proven to be wrong... the mandate is driving prices down by encouraging greater competition between manufacturers."
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, remarked, "It is positive to see Stellantis meeting its electric vehicle targets. The UK's targets are working, consumer demand is there, manufacturers are delivering, and the UK is positioned for greener, more affordable transport."
A Department for Transport spokesperson said, "The UK is now the largest EV market in Europe. Thanks to the flexibilities of the ZEV Mandate, we are confident that the whole industry will meet targets and that no car manufacturer will need to pay fines." The Government has committed to investing over £2.3 billion to support the transition to zero-emissions vehicles, alongside a significant expansion of public charging infrastructure.