eHGV uptake almost quadruples, according to SMMT

SMMT figures for Q3 2025 demonstrate that while new HGV registrations fell 14.5% in Q3 as a result of the fleet renewal cycle normalising, new zero emission HGV uptake quadrupled by 341.2% to reach 225 units in Q3, representing 2.4% market share.

A challenging economic backdrop and the natural ebb and flow of fleet renewal cycles following three years of sustained post-pandemic growth are responsible for this.

225 units in Q3 2025 is a record number for a burgeoning market that SMMT says is owing to an impressive product rollout from manufacturers, with more than two dozen models available that cover a wide range of operator needs.

Quarterly demand has increased year-to-date ZEV volumes to 408 units, a 145.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

With the right support, the market can grow even faster. Access to charging and refuelling infrastructure is a key challenge for depot-based operators, who face a typical waiting period of up to 15 years for grid connections.

The government’s Depot Charging Scheme, unveiled in July, was welcomed by the industry in helping more operators fund the switch, but without timely infrastructure delivery, prioritising HGV depots for grid connection rollout and benefiting from the fast-tracking processes afforded to data centres, wind farms and solar projects, the market will be stifled.

“Fast-tracking depot grid connections, in particular, is critical to help operators plan and invest – and for manufacturers to continue delivering the green growth Britain needs,” said Mike Hawes, CEO, SMMT.

Stephanie Haszczyn, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK said: “The SMMT’s figures that electric HGV adoption is on the rise is encouraging news that efforts from the industry to increase adoption are working.

“However, we also know that limited charging infrastructure and a lack of access for HGVs are discouraging operators from making the switch.

“The priority for the government is to deliver this infrastructure and prioritise logistics or grid connections to cut back on waiting times and address high costs.”