A survey of Road Haulage Association (RHA) members and the wider industry has revealed that uncertainty “remains high” for decarbonisation of the logistics and coach sectors.
According to the RHA, some 70% of HGV operators and an even higher 75% of coach operators had “no plans” to add zero emission vehicles to their fleets.
Some 9% of HGV operators were operating electric HGVs however – and a further 14% of operators said they planned to bring eHGVs into their fleet within the next five years.
In terms of barriers to adoption, almost half of HGV operators (45%) said their main concern was the lack of range in eHGVs, with more than a third (38%) also highlighting high vehicle purchase costs, and 30% also citing losing payload space due to heavy batteries.
It also found that 12% of HGV operators were planning to introduce hydrogen vehicles within the next five years.
In addition, only two-fifths of van operators said they had electric commercial vehicles in their fleets or plan to within the next five years. This comes despite the target of 70% of vans being electric by 2030 and a total phase-out within the next decade.
As a result of the findings, the RHA is now calling for an “urgent action plan” from the UK Government that includes financing options fo businesses, a commitment to support low and no carbon fuel alternatives, such as HVO, and support for infrastructure investment to speed up planning and grid connections, driving up charging and refuelling sites.
RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith said:
“Our sector is the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet zero emission vehicle affordability, availability and performance remain major barriers to decarbonisation. With responses from businesses of all sizes, we’re calling for urgent support to address these challenges.
“Our message is clear: Without decisive action now from decision-makers to support businesses, questions will be asked from across industry about whether the 2035 and 2040 diesel phase-out deadlines are achievable.”
“The RHA is committed to finding solutions and making the road to net zero achievable and affordable to the sector we represent. We’ll continue to outline our recommendations and work collaboratively, and our survey findings will guide future discussions with ministers.”
You can view the full RHA report here.
The news comes as Transport + Energy gears up for its first Fleet Electrification Forum, where there will be a specifically be a conversation about logistics and the decarbonisation of the sector. Find out more about the event and speakers here.
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