eHGV demand falls by 7.3% due to lack of government incentives

The demand for zero emission eHGVs in the United Kingdom dropped by 7.3% from 2023-2024, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

During the year-on-year period, just 217 eHGVs were sold, signalling a market share of just 0.5%.

The downturn was dictated by two factors: the first is a lack of government purchasing incentives in the sector, despite the UK signalling that it will end the sale of all new, non-zero emission HGVs weighing up to 26 tonnes in 2035; the second is insufficient country-wide eHGV infrastructure.

The Plug-in Truck Grant has been available to eHGV operators since 2016. However, it is set to end at the end on March 31, 2025.

While a replacement scheme along with the necessary support for depot upgrades will be offered to a select few fleets taking part in the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme this year, results are not expected until 2030 at the earliest.

Despite truck and lorry manufacturers investing heavily into research and development to deliver a wide choice of ZEV models, their higher production cost means a higher acquisition costs for operators. Expensive depot infrastructure and upgrades also pose further significant barriers to adoption.

A provision of en-route infrastructure is also limited, with fewer than five HGV-dedicated chargepoints on UK roads. The mass market adoption of zero emission trucks depends on their charging needs being met via a national vehicle infrastructure strategy, which must accommodate all electric vehicle types.

Mike Hawes, the SMMT chief executive commented: “A slight decline in truck fleet renewal reflects a sector that is normalising after strong post-Covid growth. With most of the market nearly one full investment cycle away from the 2035 end-of-sale, urgent action is needed to address stagnant zero emission uptake.

“Manufacturers are delivering the products and now operators must be convinced to invest. Meaningful fiscal support and infrastructure rollout is essential, so fleet transition is a compelling commercial proposition.”