New zero-emmission truck uptake doubles this quarter

New data from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has found that although new HGV registrations fall by -12.0 per cent in Q1, zero emission truck uptake has risen by 94 per cent. Although this is a record level, it is still just one per cent of the market as grid connection challenges continue to persist and limit eHGV uptake.

Although 97 new zero emission trucks were bought, this is almost double last year's figure (50). With an overall market share of one per cent up from 0.5 per cent a year ago, this is the highest proportion of zero emission trucks registered in a quarter. This is a small win, but does show growing demand after zero emission trucks flatlined last year.

35 zero emission truck models are available, with manufacturers continuing to invest in innovation and ensuring that the latest technology is available in greener fleets.

But, the SMMT warns that zero emission HGVs are still a fraction of the market, and that this industry will need to grow rapidly should the UK wish to achieve its target for all new HGVs up to 26 tonnes to be zero emission by 2035.

The overall decline in new HGVs this quarter is attributed by SMMT as post-pandemic volume normalisation.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "As the UK's new truck market normalises after a turbulent few years, industry is already setting a new course for green growth with three dozen different zero emission models now available, and a record quarterly market share. Onerous planning processes, however, are acting as a handbrake on depot and public infrastructure, and fast-track grid connections are essential if more HGB fleets are to be decarbonised."