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January 19, 2026, 7:26 AM EST. UK Labour faces calls to ease its electric vehicle targets as a commission suggests recalibrating the ZEV mandate to attract investment in gigafactories and batteries. The Policy Commission on Gigafactories argues 2030 targets should be relaxed to about 50-60% non-polluting car sales, rather than 80%, with 100% by 2035 kept intact. Former Labour minister Lord John Hutton said the changes would not derail the overall path and urged data-driven regulation. The report comes as policymakers consider a new per-mile charge for EVs from 2028-3p per mile, with hybrids charged too; drivers would pay in advance based on expected mileage, with credits if they drive less. Officials emphasise the 2035 zero-emission commitment remains, providing industry certainty while boosting the domestic battery supply chain.