The ZEV mandate for vans, explained in plain English
24% of new vans each maker sells this year must be zero emission. Here's how the targets work and what they mean for van prices.
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is the rule that drives the whole diesel van phase-out. It doesn't ban anything directly. Instead, it tells manufacturers what share of their new van sales must be zero emission each year.
The van targets
- 2024: 10%
- 2025: 16%
- 2026: 24%
- 2030: 70%
- 2035: 100%
What happens if a maker misses
Manufacturers can buy credits from other makers, borrow from future years, or pay a fine of £15,000 for each van they fall short.
Why it matters to buyers
As targets climb, expect makers to push electric vans harder with deals and offers. Some may limit how many diesel vans they supply, which could keep good used diesel vans in demand.
Bottom line: the mandate is a squeeze on manufacturers, not on drivers. Your diesel van stays legal to use.