New zero emission HGV uptake rose 170.5% year-on-year to reach 587 units, a new record boosted by a more than tripling in year-on-year demand in the fourth quarter – up 251.0% with 179 registrations.
The figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) saw the UK surpass the milestone of 1,000 new zero emission truck registrations. Growth has been assisted by fresh products being rolled out, with 21 different models across a range of use cases registered last year – and enhanced public grants, the society said.
Zero emission trucks representing around one in every 71 new registrations, with the market at the beginning of early adoption. An improved Plug-in Truck Grant and the new Depot Charging Scheme announced last July will help more operators to switch, the SMMT said, but will also need a guarantee on infrastructure delivery – such as prioritising grid connections for transport depots, and fast-tracking schemes in the same way as data centres and solar projects.
Overall, new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations declined by -10.0% in 2025 with 40,504 new trucks joining UK roads. The contraction included reduced demand for tractor units, down -4.4% to 17,758 units – albeit softened by 6.9% growth in the fourth quarter – to represent two-fifths (43.8%) of the market.
The news follows major logistics operators, including retailer Amazon, purchasing large orders of eHGVs. Last year, Amazon (pictured) announced it has ordered 140 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 e-trucks, which would be deployed across its logistics hub network.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“The new HGV market continues to normalise amid economic constraints on fleet investment, but a return to growth in 2026 is needed so that UK businesses can keep moving with the latest, cleanest vehicle technology.
“Innovative new models are helping to lift zero emission truck uptake but to unlock real growth, we need faster depot grid connections and planning approvals – only then can more operators invest and capitalise on the benefits of zero emission fleets.”
Image courtesy of Amazon
