Diesel-powered motorhomes will remain available for sale in the UK longer than originally planned, thanks to recent changes in the government’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This offers relief to the RV industry and buyers alike.
According to an article by Out & About Live, the UK government reaffirmed its target to end the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035, after previously pushing the deadline from 2030.
However, new exemptions have been introduced, specifically benefiting the campervan and motorhome market.
In a key update, the Department for Transport has confirmed to the National Caravan Council (NCC) that M1 special-purpose vehicles—which include motorhomes—are exempt from the 2030 deadline. This means that motorhomes can continue to use diesel or petrol engines until at least 2035.
“This is a significant win for our sector,” said Simon McGrath, director of communications and stakeholder engagement at the NCC.
The exemption applies to vehicles classified as M1 special purpose, including those converted from commercial van platforms (N1 to M1). Hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, can also continue to be sold through 2035.
Small-scale vehicle manufacturers and kit vehicles are also excluded from the ICE sales ban for the time being.
Importantly, the ZEV mandate only applies to new vehicle sales—existing ICE vehicles already on the road will remain unaffected.
Currently, electric vehicles (EVs) account for about 20% of new car sales in the UK, but they only make up 4% of vehicles on the road.
The motorhome sector has seen extremely limited adoption of electric drivetrains, with fully electric campervans still a rare novelty.
The extended timeline gives RV manufacturers and buyers more flexibility to plan the transition to electric, while preserving access to traditional diesel motorhomes that remain essential for long-range travel and off-grid capability.