Morning, Monday, 27th April 2026
Online
This conference will focus on next steps for the transition to zero emission vehicles in the UK.
The agenda will bring out latest thinking on key issues relating to uptake and support for delivery. Delegates will examine policy and regulatory approaches in the context of priorities for consumers, manufacturers, and others with an interest in the sector.
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss the direction of current government interventions - including the £2.5bn DRIVE35 programme for ZEV manufacturing investment and innovation, alongside delivery of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate and phase-out of new pure petrol and diesel car sales by 2030.
Policy options to support consumer confidence & competition
We expect discussion on key areas where clarity and policy stability may be needed to support globally competitive UK manufacturing, looking at supply chain scale-up, frameworks for attracting and sustaining private investment, and the role of regional clusters under the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan.
Attendees will consider practical options for strengthening consumer demand, in the context of the Electric Car Grant and wider fiscal measures set out in the 2025 Autumn Budget, taking into account responses to the consultation on introduction of a mileage-based Electric Vehicle Excise Duty from April 2028.
Further discussion will focus on strategic approaches to building confidence in the transition, as well as charging affordability and reliability, and transparency and consistency in information provided to consumers on purchase prices, charging costs and total cost of ownership. Strategies for addressing ongoing barriers to adoption will also be assessed, such as access to reliable local charging, perceived complexity of tariffs and incentives, and uncertainty around residual values and long-term running costs.
Charging infrastructure
The agenda will also examine next steps for electrification of heavy goods vehicles and fleets, with the Department for Transport consulting on a New HGV CO? emissions regulatory framework for the UK. Delegates will also consider implementation priorities for a resilient, flexible and cost-effective charging network, including implications for EV charging infrastructure and for the wider energy market and network regulation.
Overview of areas for discussion:
- policy: delivery of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate - implications of the 2030 phase-out - alignment with wider industrial and transport policy objectives
- transition: scaling UK ZEV manufacturing capacity - supply chain resilience and localisation - frameworks for attracting and sustaining private investment
- innovation: priorities for DRIVE35 funding - role of the Advanced Propulsion Centre and innovation hubs - supporting start-ups, new technologies and use cases
- consumer demand: interaction of the Electric Car Grant and fiscal measures - implications of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty reform - confidence, affordability and second-hand market development
- consumer information: transparency on purchase and running costs - clarity on charging tariffs and total cost of ownership - addressing information gaps affecting adoption decisions
- charging infrastructure: implementation of a resilient public charging network - permitted development rights and planning reform - grid capacity, smart charging and cost pressures
- HGVs and fleets: next steps following the New HGV CO? emissions regulatory framework for the UK consultation - assessing viability of zero emission HGV business models - fleet transition incentives
- regional growth and skills: development of regional ZEV clusters - workforce training and reskilling needs - alignment of skills policy with industrial transition
