BIRMINGHAM, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Britain's truck industry has called for a more flexible, technology-neutral approach to decarbonization after new data showed a decline in the uptake of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
Figures released Tuesday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that zero-emission vehicles accounted for just 0.9 percent of new HGV registrations so far this year, down from 1.4 percent in 2025. The industry body said the drop highlights how early the transition remains, despite the UK's target of achieving a fully zero-emission truck market by 2040.
A newsrelease by SMMT at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham urged the government to ensure operators have access to a broad mix of low-carbon technologies, cautioning against an overreliance on fully zero-emission solutions alone.
While more than 40 zero-emission truck models are now available, spanning over 70 vehicle types, from long-haul lorries to refuse and construction vehicles, the organization stressed that supply is no longer the main barrier. Instead, the challenge lies in deploying these vehicles at scale.
Adoption continues to be hindered by high upfront costs, operational complexities, and limited infrastructure. Upgrading depots and securing grid connections can take up to 15 years for large projects, and there are currently only 10 public charging stations for zero-emission HGVs across the country.
The HGV sector plays a vital role in the UK economy, accounting for more than 80 percent of freight transport and carrying essential goods such as food, medicine, construction materials, and retail products.
Given these constraints, SMMT warned that enforcing a zero-emission-only transition too quickly could raise costs, slow fleet renewal, and disrupt a critical sector. Instead, it advocates a phased approach that builds on existing carbon reduction targets while allowing multiple technologies to contribute during the transition.
The organization also called for stronger policy support, including expanded incentives and faster deployment of charging infrastructure.
"The HGV industry is fully committed to decarbonization, but the transition must be realistic and affordable," said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes. "Regulation should reflect the complexity of the sector and support emissions reductions without driving up costs."
More than 15,000 industry representatives are expected to attend this week's Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, where manufacturers and operators are showcasing new technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. ■
