HGVs produce 16 per cent of the UK’s transport greenhouse gas emissions despite being just 1.5 per cent of the vehicles on our roads. With only 500 electric HGVs operating nationwide and sales sitting below one per cent, the UK risks falling behind in the global shift to zero emission freight. Switching to electric HGVs is crucial for the climate and offers a range of benefits to businesses that make the switch, including increased reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

In this briefing, we examine the barriers to adoption, from grid constraints to weight restrictions, and identify what could accelerate progress.

Drawing on interviews with experts in the logistics, manufacturing and energy sectors, we outline how the government can improve regulatory certainty and which financial frameworks are needed to position the UK competitively in this rapidly evolving global market.

Authors
Johann Beckford, Charles Long and Nick Davies

For more information, contact:
Johann Beckford, senior policy adviser