BYD Executive Praises UK’s ZEV Mandate, Urges Europe to Follow Suit
BYD’s executive vice-president Stella Li has praised the UK government’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate for providing clear targets and timelines, suggesting European leaders should adopt a similar approach.
Speaking to journalists at the BYD Sealion 7 launch, Li emphasized that automakers need stability and clarity regarding electric vehicle expectations.
“The UK regulation is more sustainable and clear, and there is a schedule. This gives everybody a very clear reachable target,” Li said.
She criticized Europe’s shifting emissions policies, which make planning difficult for manufacturers. EU regulators recently softened the bloc’s CO2 emissions reduction system, giving automakers more time to comply with fleet emissions targets.
Li argued that fixed targets for electric vehicle sales by specific dates would allow manufacturers to focus their efforts appropriately.
“If you run a company and you don’t have a schedule to reach this target, then by 2030 nothing will happen,” she warned.
The BYD executive urged European leaders to maintain consistent policies. “I hope the European Union can be more sustainable and set a certain target and then not change. And maybe copy the UK and give a very practical target.”
However, Li acknowledged her limited influence with EU policymakers, noting, “They don’t care about BYD’s voice. Other people’s voice are louder than BYD’s.”
BYD is well-positioned to meet UK targets with four of its five models already fully electric. The Atto 3 is the brand’s overall bestseller, while the Dolphin EV leads in retail sales.
The all-electric Sealion 7 is now available, and the compact Dolphin Surf EV will arrive later this year, expanding BYD’s electric lineup and targeting the affordable market segment.
While Li supports the UK mandate, other automakers have criticized the strict EV sales targets and called for policy adjustments. The government recently closed its consultation on the mandate, with a response expected in coming months.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has predicted “a substantial change of policy,” and government officials have stated that “nothing is off the table.” Changes might focus on allowing more hybrids to remain available beyond 2030, though EV sales targets could also be adjusted.
