UK sees rise in zero emission truck uptake
September 3rd, 2024
The UK remains Europe’s second-largest market for zero-emission trucks. With new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations increasing by 30% in Q2 2024, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This growth pushed zero-emission HGVs to a 0.6% market share, up from 0.4% in the same period last year.
Despite this progress, the market share for zero-emission trucks remains low compared to the car and van sectors. Highlighting the challenges in encouraging operators to switch from fossil fuels.
With the deadline for ending sales of non-zero emission HGVs under 26 tonnes just over a decade away, operators are still dealing with a lengthy grant process that covers fewer than half of available models. The SMMT also points to slow progress in establishing HGV-specific charging infrastructure. The organisation suggests that reforming the grant system and investing in infrastructure through a national plan would boost operator confidence and accelerate uptake.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said, “The truck market’s return to growth after a slower start to the year demonstrates its robustness and resilience… Delivering that ambition, however, requires compelling incentives and infrastructure which will put operators on a confident path to 2035 and beyond.”
Overall, HGV registrations grew by 2.6% in Q2 2024, reversing the decline seen in the first quarter. A total of 11,469 new HGVs were registered, driven largely by a 9.7% increase in rigid truck registrations, which now hold a 57.9% market share, up from 54.2% last year. Meanwhile, articulated truck volumes fell by 5.7%. Businesses invested more in box vans, curtainsiders, tippers, and refuse vehicles, while tractor unit volumes declined by 7.4%.