Zero-Emission HGV Sales Surge by 59 Percent in First Half of 2025

Demand for new zero-emission heavy goods vehicles grew by 32.3 per cent in the past quarter compared to the same three months last year. When combined with figures from the first quarter, this means that registrations of zero-emission HGVs have increased by 59.1 percent in the first half of 2025.

Despite this growth, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports that total volumes remain small. Only 183 units were registered across the first six months, representing just 0.9% of the market. Fleet decarbonisation is moving in the right direction, the SMMT notes, but with the UK targeting all new HGVs weighing up to 44 tonnes to decarbonise to zero emissions by 2035, the pace of adoption will need to accelerate dramatically.

Currently, there are 35 different zero-emission models available on the market, capable of covering a wide range of operational needs. However, the upfront cost of switching remains a barrier for many fleets. The capital required to install depot charging infrastructure is particularly significant.

To support this transition, the government launched a 30 million pound depot charging fund in July. The fund is expected to back the installation of more than 3,000 van charge points and 200 HGV charge points. Fleets can receive up to 75 per cent off the cost of infrastructure, which the SMMT says will be a key enabler for more operators to make the switch.

Challenges remain, however. Current planning processes can result in grid connection waits of up to 15 years, coinciding with the target end-of-sale date for all new non-zero-emission vehicles. The SMMT argues that transport depots must be fast-tracked for grid connections in the same way recently announced for data centres, wind farms, and solar projects. A long-term national strategy is also needed to provide public HGV-suitable infrastructure across every region, giving fleets the confidence to invest in zero-emission vehicles.

Overall, HGV registrations fell by 11.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, with 10,185 new trucks joining UK roads. The decline reflects a demanding economic environment and the cyclical nature of fleet renewal. The new HGV market is normalising after three years of strong post-pandemic growth.

The Q2 decline was driven in part by an 8.1 per cent drop in normalising or new tractor units, which still account for over two-fifths of the market with 4,295 registered. Box van registrations fell 33.1 per cent to 905 units, while deliveries of new tippers and curtain-siders declined by 19.6 per cent and 24.2 per cent, reaching 795 and 781 units respectively. Refuse collection vehicles stood out against this trend, rising 11.4 per cent to 614 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Another quarter of decline in the new HGV market is unsurprising as the market continues to normalise, but a return to growth must happen soon, given this sector is a crucial driver of the UK economy.

“The highest first-half market share yet for maximise emission trucks is positive, albeit it still represents less than one per cent of the market, with many operators just one buying cycle from end-of-sale deadlines.

“New depot infrastructure to formalise welcome, and grid reform must now follow so that operators can get the charge points they need to confidently invest in their fleets.”