Highlights from GREENFLEET's Decarbonisation Hub at the CV Show

GREENFLEET's inaugural Decarbonisation Hub at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025 hosted insightful discussions with industry experts, as well as exhibitor pods where visitors could discover the latest technology, products and solutions to decarbonise the sector

Watch the highlights video here.

Hosted by sustainable transport expert Andy Eastlake, the Hub created an environment for meaningful dialogue and collaboration around the future of zero-emission commercial vehicles. Housed at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025, which took place 29 April to 1 May, the event featured a dynamic speaker line-up with insightful commentary on the biggest challenges and opportunities in truck and van decarbonisation.
Attendees were also able to have informal discussions about the latest technology and services for the industry at the exhibitor pods, which covered a range of products, from refrigeration systems, EV charging, breakdown cover, driver training, natural gas, hydrogen, leasing solutions, and so on.

Expert-led discussions

As the UK works toward its legally binding 2050 net-zero target, the commercial transport sector is under increasing pressure to decarbonise. The Decarbonisation Hub explored the evolving policy landscape, particularly around the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate – which sets targets for cars and vans to be zero emission by 2035, and trucks by 2040.

Bob Moran, deputy director for decarbonisation strategy at the Department for Transport (DfT), acknowledged that while the path for trucks is less defined, action can and must begin now.

“In transport, we already have many of the technologies we need. Used correctly, they can enhance both performance and efficiency,” said Bob.
He emphasised the importance of aligning regulation and commercial viability, echoing Andy Eastlake’s view that financial incentives will be key drivers of progress: “If it makes financial sense, the market will move,” Andy said.

Bob Moran also highlighted that stakeholder engagement and dialogue is ongoing to give more clarity on zero-emission truck policy.

Updates from the automotive industry

Sukky Choongh, environmental manager at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), addressed the balancing act between environmental ambition and economic reality.
“Our role is to bring manufacturers and stakeholders together to create policies that are not only aspirational, but also achievable,” she said.

Sukky praised manufacturers’ progress and innovation, pointing to the development of specialised ZEVs like cement mixers and recovery trucks. However, she warned that charging infrastructure projects remain a significant bottleneck.

“Even with everything in place, it can still take three to four years to get a grid connection – and 15 years in some cases,” she noted, with the SMMT launching a call that day for transport depots to be prioritised in grid-connection plans.

Phil Moon, marketing manager at DAF Trucks, outlined how the company is bridging the gap with low-carbon internal combustion engines, including those that run on renewable fuels like HVO, while continuing to expand its electric truck lineup.

“We’ve been producing electric trucks since 2018. Now we’re rolling out our XB, XD, and XF electric ranges – many of which will be used in the ZEHID programme, which is exciting” said Phil.

Innovation in action

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are among the hardest to decarbonise due to their weight and range requirements. However, significant public investment is accelerating progress, particularly through the government-funded Zero Emission HGV Infrastructure Demonstration (ZEHID) programme.

With £200 million in funding, ZEHID aims to support real-world trials of ZEV HGVs alongside the rollout of charging and fuelling infrastructure.

Simon Buckley from Innovate UK explained the project’s roadmap: “Participants have two years to install infrastructure and deploy vehicles. Then, five years of operation and data gathering will follow, helping inform the wider industry.”
Joining the conversation was Neil Durno from Voltempo, who highlighted the collaborative nature of the eFreight 2030 project, which brings together major logistics players to test the viability of zero-emission freight transport.
    
“There’s no competition here. Each organisation brings a different perspective, and there’s a lot of knowledge-sharing to move the project forward,” Durno said.

Other the three days of the Commercial Vehicle Show, the Decarbonisation Hub hosted many other other insightful discussions, covering all aspects of van and truck decarbonisation and fleet management.

Exhibitor pods

Encasing the Hub floor were exhibitor pods demonstrating a range of products and services. Certas Energy were on hand to talk through how HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) can provide an immediate way to reduce CO2 before zero-emission vehicles become fully viable, while ULEMCo shared information on the benefits of its hydrogen dual-fuel product. 

GreenChill systems were on hand to discuss its innovative clean energy systems designed to power refrigeration units on commercial vehicles, and Plug-Me-In – part of the larger Calisen group – talked about their EV charging offer for fleets. Zenobē - an innovator in the field of battery technology, attended the Decarbonisation Hub to showcase its financial expertise, cutting-edge analytics and electrical engineering to deliver zero emission fleets.

Showcasing one of their iconic bright yellow vans, the AA exhibited at the Hub to showcase its breakdown services and how the company is adapting to support the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road. Drivetech were also in attendance to share information on their driver training offer. 

Delegates could also find out about vehicle funding, fleet management and consultancy from Athlon, who have years of experience and expertise in helping companies meet environmental targets.

Farizon officially launched its debut SV electric van at the Commercial Vehicle Show, and Kate McLaren, head of UK marketing & sales operations at Jameel Motors – Farizon’s UK distributor, spoke about the new van and future products from the company.

A catalyst for change

GREENFLEET’s inaugural Decarbonisation Hub at the Commercial Vehicle Show proved to be a focal point for transport decarbonisation, allowing attendees to hear about the challenges, share solutions, and get more clarity on achieving a net-zero future when it comes to commercial 
vehicles.