Zero-emission HGVs are taking off in the UK, with a 30% surge in registrations

• UK registrations for zero-emission HGVs surged by 30% in Q2 2024, but they still represent only 0.6% of the market.
• Slow growth in HGV-specific charging infrastructure and restrictive grants are major barriers to wider adoption of electric trucks.
• Shell's new electric truck charging station and Milence's market entry signal promising improvements in charging options soon.

Zero-emission HGVs surge by 30% in the UK, but doubts hold back market dominance

In the second quarter of 2024, the uptake of zero-emission HGVs surged by 30% in the UK, according to the SMMT. However, despite this amazing growth, electric trucks still account for just 0.6% of the total HGV market. There’s work to do, but the interest is clearly growing.?

The increase shows that electric trucks are being taken seriously in the transport industry. However, the market penetration remains low, indicating ongoing challenges in broader adoption. Key obstacles include a slow expansion of HGV-specific charging infrastructure and limited incentive systems for these trucks.

Currently, operators face difficulties due to the lengthy and restrictive grant process, which covers less than half of available electric truck models. Additionally, progress on establishing HGV charging facilities has been slow. However, Shell has opened its first electric truck charging station on UK soil, and Milence is preparing to enter the country now. So, we should see a healthy increase in electric truck charging options in the coming months.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), commented:

“The truck market’s return to growth after a slower start to the year demonstrates its robustness and resilience – particularly as overall uptake continues to keep pace with last year and the pent-up demand that fuelled volumes. The UK’s place as Europe’s second largest zero emission truck market also demonstrates Britain’s potential to be a leader in the ZEV truck transition. Delivering that ambition, however, requires compelling incentives and infrastructure which will put operators on a confident path to 2035 and beyond.”