The UK’s transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) is falling significantly behind ambition, despite increasing manufacturer investment and a growing number of models entering the market, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Speaking following the latest SMMT Electrified event, Chief Executive Mike Hawes said industry leaders and policymakers had convened to assess progress in decarbonising road transport, with discussions highlighting the stark challenges facing the HGV segment.
While much of the public and regulatory focus has centred on cars and vans, the event placed renewed emphasis on commercial vehicles, with contributions from manufacturers and operators including MAN Truck & Bus UK, Alexander Dennis, DHL Supply Chain, Voltempo Group and Volvo Trucks.
Stakeholders agreed that stronger collaboration between industry and government will be essential to accelerate the transition, particularly in a sector described as both economically critical and inherently difficult to decarbonise.
“Zero emission HGVs are vital to the UK economy and society, supporting everything from logistics and construction to public services,” Hawes said. “But despite unprecedented investment, the sector’s transition lags far behind ambition.”
In 2025, uptake of zero-emission HGVs reached a record level, yet accounted for just 1.4% of new registrations—largely driven by niche applications such as refuse collection vehicles. This remains well short of the UK’s targets for all new HGVs under 26 tonnes to be zero emission by 2035, and for the entire HGV market to follow by 2040.
Operators continue to face significant barriers to adoption, including concerns over payload capacity, vehicle range and residual values, as well as the high upfront costs and limited availability of depot-based charging and refuelling infrastructure.
Hawes warned that addressing these issues will require a coordinated policy and investment framework that reflects the diversity of HGV use cases. “Overcoming these concerns will require a thoughtful, joined-up approach to regulation, charging infrastructure and incentivisation,” he said.
Failure to accelerate progress could have wider economic implications, he added, including impacts on inflation, the cost of living, and the competitiveness of UK manufacturing.
With the government expected to take key decisions on HGV decarbonisation in the coming months, Hawes pointed to the upcoming Commercial Vehicle Show as a critical platform for advancing the conversation.
The event will bring together manufacturers including Chery, Farizon, Ford, Iveco, Isuzu, Kia, Renault and Stellantis Pro One, alongside fleet operators, policymakers and infrastructure providers to explore solutions and support wider adoption of zero-emission technologies.
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