Why We Shouldn’t Overlook Vans and Trucks in the Race to Zero
The UK’s commitment to a zero-emission passenger car market continues to attract significant attention, and rightly so, given the millions of people who depend on these vehicles every day. However, commercial vehicles are just as important to decarbonization. Vans and trucks are the essential workhorses of businesses everywhere, connecting our society and economy. These two sectors, however, face even more challenges in the transition.
The scale of these challenges has become clear in 2024, with the uptake of new electric vans falling throughout the year to just 5.7% of the overall market – barely more than half of the mandated proportion. Manufacturers are doing everything they can, with over half of all van models available as zero-emission and substantial incentives in place. These vehicles can still be purchased through the Plug-in Van Grant, but the lack of charging infrastructure that can handle their larger size and power requirements is hindering operator confidence to invest.
Similarly, without long-term planning to support the rollout of zero-emission HGVs, the same problems facing the UK’s van and car sectors could be repeated. In a month, we will be ten years away from the end of sales of all new, non-zero-emission trucks weighing up to 26 tonnes, which account for around seven in ten new HGVs joining UK roads. This is the same date currently set for cars and vans, yet zero-emission vehicles presently represent only 0.5% of the HGV market – a share that has remained unchanged since 2023.
The SMMT will continue to advocate for a modernized Plug-in Truck Grant, along with a strategy that provides depot and public HGV-dedicated charging infrastructure, because it is essential that more operators are able to switch sooner rather than later.
Setting net-zero targets demonstrates the UK’s commitment to decarbonization. But mandates alone are not enough to achieve it. They must be realistic and supported with the necessary backing. That is why we will continue to work with the government to ensure regulation is workable, with suitably ambitious incentives in place, plus accessible, affordable, and reliable EV charging infrastructure for all vehicles.
Creating an industrial strategy that lowers manufacturing costs, boosts skills, removes trade barriers, and fosters competitiveness would be equally critical. This approach will ensure our country’s attractiveness for further investment in all types of vehicle development and production. With the right approach, for our markets and manufacturing base, we can guarantee that decarbonization does not lead to deindustrialization but ensures long-term success for every sector and indeed the entire UK.
