Most new cars sold in UK will have to be fully electric by 2030, government confirms

In seven years 80% of new cars must be fully electric or another alternative, the Department for Transport has said. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

The government has confirmed the majority of new cars sold in Britain will have to be electric by 2030 despite Rishi Sunak’s decision last week to delay a ban on petrol and diesel cars by five years.

Under the long-awaited zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate, 80% of sales must be fully electric, or another alternative, within seven years. Carmakers would have to pay £15,000 for each petrol or diesel engine above that threshold, the Department for Transport said on Thursday.