International investors could pull funding from the UK’s electric vehicle network if the Government waters down its net zero targets, a leading infrastructure provider has warned.

As the UK government consults on the mandate’s future trajectory ahead of a 23 October deadline, Zest argues that changing the annual targets sends a damaging signal to those financing long-term infrastructure projects.

Robin Heap, CEO of the charging firm, argues that with battery electric vehicle registrations up 27.7% year‑on‑year in August, according to SMMT data, and with government funding already committed to charging rollout, maintaining a clear long‑term policy direction is essential.

Unlike vehicle sales, which respond quickly to consumer trends, infrastructure investment must be made well ahead of demand.

Heap elaborated: “If we weaken the demand signal, we risk weakening the investment that follows it. And that could leave the UK with a damaging chicken‑and‑egg problem: people won’t switch without convenient charging, but the infrastructure sector won’t invest at scale without confidence in future demand.”

Heap stressed that charging infrastructure requires years of planning, from site identification and land agreements to grid connections and construction. Most contracts run for at least 15 years after being switched on.

“Businesses can’t and won’t commit decades ahead when the landscape is uncertain. Stifling investment now could lead to stagnation, job losses and missed opportunities for the UK.”

Much of the funding for the UK network comes from global investors. Zest warns that policy uncertainty is already driving international capital toward more stable European markets with more long-term confidence.

“If Government reduces the signal that tells investors how fast the market will grow, it risks creating uncertainty at precisely the moment we need more,” Heap added.

Zest says the key question is not how many EVs are sold today, but whether Britain is creating the conditions to ensure sufficient charging capacity when millions more drivers make the switch.

The company is calling on the Government to maintain a clear and credible pathway for EV adoption and recognise the vital role of policy stability in unlocking private capital for the nation’s future charging network.

Zest’s CEO also called for clarity on why the world started moving towards net zero in the first place.

“The transition to electric transport is a fundamental part of reducing emissions, and the infrastructure investment needed to make that transition possible must not be put at risk by short-term policy uncertainty,” Heap closed.