The SMMT Electrified conference, held at the QEII Centre on 12 March, brought together government representatives, vehicle manufacturers and commercial fleet operators to discuss the opportunities and challenges surrounding the UK’s transition to electrified transport. A consistent message throughout the event was that while the automotive sector remains committed to achieving Net Zero, there are growing concerns that current policy direction and market conditions could slow progress rather than accelerate it. Opening the conference, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes raised concerns about Europe’s evolving industrial strategy. He warned that a shift toward a more circular and self-sufficient manufacturing model across Europe could have serious implications for UK vehicle production and the domestic supply chain. Hawes also questioned the feasibility of the UK’s ZEV Mandate targets, suggesting that the current trajectory may prove unrealistic without policy adjustments. Keir Mather followed with remarks focusing on the government’s financial investment in the automotive sector and the progress being made toward national Net Zero targets. During questions from the audience, he reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting the transition through investment and policy initiatives. An OEM panel featuring representatives from Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota, Volvo Cars and Stellantis provided a candid assessment of the challenges facing EV production. Panellists highlighted that global EV programmes across the industry are currently operating at significant losses, with the cost of technical investment and development continuing to rise. Toyota outlined ambitions to develop a Scope 3 zero-emissions production facility but noted that UK manufacturing could be affected by Europe’s industrial strategy, particularly in relation to energy costs, skills availability and supply chain support. Stellantis echoed concerns around profitability, stating that EV production currently delivers no financial return and that the long-term market tipping point is still under review. Volvo highlighted advances in manufacturing efficiency, referencing its upcoming EX60 model, which is expected to achieve around a 30% reduction in production costs through giga-press technology and integrated battery design. However, the company stressed that competitive pricing remains essential, particularly in the face of growing pressure from Chinese manufacturers. Jaguar Land Rover confirmed that it continues to invest heavily in electrification into the next decade but noted that inconsistent government messaging makes long-term global production planning more difficult. Panellists also observed that the UK’s ZEV targets differ from many other international markets, adding complexity for manufacturers. Lisa Rankin, CEO of Ford UK, reinforced the call for clearer policy direction. She urged the Government to review the ZEV Mandate to better align with global automotive strategies and emphasised the need for timely decisions rather than extended consultation periods. A commercial vehicle panel featuring Alexander Dennis, Volvo Group and DHL explored the progress of electrification within buses and fleet operations. Alexander Dennis confirmed it now supplies only electric buses to Transport for London, and noted that 27% of buses delivered in 2025 were zero-emission. Electric buses were highlighted as offering strong total cost of ownership due to their long operational lifecycles. However, infrastructure challenges remain a key barrier. Volvo raised concerns about securing sufficient power supply for large fleets, while panellists also discussed the potential role of alternative fuels such as gas and biogas. DHL shared that it currently operates around 40,000 electric vans globally within its express delivery network, with 34% of its fleet now using sustainable fuels, although short customer contract cycles can create challenges for long-term investment. Overall, speakers agreed that the industry remains committed to the transition to zero-emission transport. However, many stressed that clearer policy signals will be essential to support consumer confidence, encourage adoption and ensure the UK automotive sector remains competitive as global strategies continue to evolve.