New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations fell by 14.7% in the second quarter of 2026, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Some 8,687 new trucks joining UK roads, and while overall market demand weakened, uptake of zero emission HGVs rose by 4.7%, raising market share from 0.8% to 1.0% compared with the same period last year.
ZEV HGV volumes have fallen 6.6% in the first six months compared with last year, when uptake was supported by ZEHID funding, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing the sector’s transition, the SMMT said.
It said uptake remains constrained by the higher upfront cost of vehicles and challenges around depot and network infrastructure. Long waits for grid connections and limited public charging provision continue to hamper adoption, despite support from the Plug-In Truck Grant, Depot Charging Scheme and the ZEHID programme, it added.
Faster grid connections, accelerated depot planning approvals and a long-term national infrastructure strategy would help support uptake, the SMMT said, boosting operator confidence.
Tractor units remained the largest segment, accounting for more than two in five new HGVs registered despite volumes falling 13.7% to 3,706 units.
Uptake of box vans and curtain-sided trucks also declined, down 36.6% and 26.4% respectively, while uptake of tippers and refuse disposal vehicles bucked the overall trend, growing by 12.7% and 27.0%.
The news comes as the issue of HGV decarbonisation was discussed by a panel of experts at the Transport + Energy Fleet Electrification Forum last week, which said “battery was the way to go”, and can be viewed here.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“After three bumper years of fleet renewal, the HGV market is now under pressure. The fact that zero emission truck uptake is outperforming the market is a crumb of comfort but at less than 1% of the market it is not a cause for celebration.
“Government support has helped incubate this emerging market, but if the sector is to decarbonise at pace, operators need confidence – and that means addressing key barriers to investment and a technology-neutral approach that recognises the diversity and complexity of HGV use.”
Graphic courtesy of the SMMT
