A consultation has been launched on the gradual abandonment of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
The government says this will “restore clarity” to car manufacturers and the charging sector.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is seeking advice from automotive and charging industry experts on how to meet Labour's manifesto commitment to reinstate the 2030 deadline.
It was extended until 2035 under the previous Conservative government.
The move comes amid a dispute between the government and industry over phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
Last month, Ford said the UK government's mandate to produce and sell more electric vehicles (EVs) “simply doesn't work” without demand.
Lisa Brankin, chairman and chief executive of Ford UK, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: “The only thing we really need is government-backed incentives to urgently boost growth. adoption of electric vehicles.”
The Transport Secretary said the car industry had been “stifled by a lack of certainty and direction” in recent years.
“This government will change that,” she added.
The consultation proposes updates to the zero-emission vehicle (Zev) mandate, which sets out the percentage of new zero-emission cars and vans that manufacturers will be required to sell each year until 2030.
More than two thirds of the UK's carmakers, including Stellantis, have committed to switching entirely to electric cars by this year.
However, companies have also announced thousands of job cuts, in part because of targets set for electric vehicles.
The Department for Transport said the consultation would “restore clarity to car manufacturers and the charging industry” so they “have the confidence to invest in the UK for the long term and drive charging growth.” British automotive industry.
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit think tank said the UK would meet its targets because the mandate took into account credits earned from the sale of low-emission petrol and diesel hybrid vehicles, as well as sales of fully electrical.
The 22% that each manufacturer must achieve should be achieved on average across the sector, according to the think tank.
Last month, electric vehicles accounted for one in four cars sold in the UK, Ms Alexander said, with drivers “already adopting electric vehicles faster than ever”.
“Today’s measures will help us capitalize on the clean energy transition to support thousands of jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower and rebuild Britain,” she added.
The government said the consultation would also be part of a “wider campaign” to make charging electric cars easier and cheaper.
There are now more than 72,000 public charging points in the UK, with another 100,000 planned by local authorities across England.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of motor industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the motor industry welcomed the Government's “review of the end-of-sale date for powered cars only petrol or diesel, and possible changes in flexibilities around the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate”.
“These are two crucial questions for an industry that faces significant challenges globally as it attempts to decarbonize ahead of natural market demand,” he added.
“As the 2025 market comes under even greater pressure, it is imperative that we secure an urgent resolution, with a clear intention to adapt regulations to support delivery, supported by bold incentives to stimulate demand” , Mr Hawes said.
