Demand for new zero emission HGVs grew in the first half of 2025, rising 59.1% compared with the same period last year, according to figures by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It now represents a market share of around 1%, with around 183 units registered in the first six months of 2025. The SMMT said fleet decarbonisation was “moving in the right direction” but, with the UK aiming to have all new HGVs weighing up to 26 tonnes zero emission by 2035, “the rate of uptake will need to grow rapidly”.
The news came as overall HGV registrations fell by around 11% last quarter, which, according to the SMMT, reflects the cyclical nature of fleet renewal as the new HGV market and tough economic conditions.
Manufacturers are delivering a “huge choice for fleet operators”, the SMMT said, with 35 different zero emission models already on the market and able to meet a wide range of use cases.
But the upfront cost of switching remains a barrier – particularly the investment capital required to install depot infrastructure for chargepoints.
It also said the industry welcomed government’s grant support for depot upgrades announced in July, which will be a key enabler for more fleets to make the transition.
The SMMT also said that “another challenge” needed to be overcome with current planning processes resulting in grid connection waits of up to 15 years, the same date as the end of sale date for all new, non-zero emission vehicles.
It said that transport depots “must be afforded the same fast-tracking priority to grid connections as that recently announced for data centres, wind farms and solar”.
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 zero-emission trucks is positive, albeit it still represents less than one percent of the market with many operators just one buying cycle from end of sale deadlines. New depot infrastructure funding is welcome, and grid reform must now follow so that operators can get the chargepoints they need to confidently invest in their fleets.”
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