Tesla’s Push for Green Policies
Elon Musk’s Tesla lobbied the UK government to raise costs for petrol car buyers. This move followed the Labour Party’s general election win. Tesla’s efforts aimed to support the government’s green agenda while increasing its own profits.
Despite Musk’s public criticism of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, his firm pushed for stronger environmental policies. Tesla proposed expanding the electric vehicle (EV) mandate to lorries. The company suggested funding EV subsidies by charging higher fees to petrol and diesel car buyers.
Tesla’s European chief, Joe Ward, outlined this proposal in a letter to Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood. The letter, dated July, stated that buyers of new polluting vehicles “should pay more.”
The letter, released after a Freedom of Information request by EV newsletter The Fast Charge, revealed Tesla’s support for Labour’s decarbonisation goals. Tesla’s backing of green policies contrasted with Musk’s online criticism of the government during summer riots.
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate Debate
The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires carmakers to meet EV sales targets. Companies unable to meet these targets must buy credits from EV producers who exceed their quotas. UK carmakers have argued for a relaxation of this policy, claiming low customer demand for EVs.
Tesla’s stance differed significantly. The company urged the government to “protect and strengthen” the ZEV mandate. Tesla benefits from the policy by selling surplus credits from its imported EVs made in China.
In addition to ZEV policy support, Tesla lobbied for UK leadership in autonomous vehicle development. The company also offered to demonstrate its autonomous driving technology to the government.
The BBC reported that Musk’s controversial political remarks contributed to his exclusion from a government investment summit. Despite this, Musk’s influence grew in the US, where he became a key figure for incoming President Donald Trump. Musk’s wealth surged due to Tesla’s rising stock value after the US election.