Logistics UK reacts as SMMT CEO issues HGV mandate warning

The warning came after SMMT Electrified, which convened industry, government and stakeholders to evaluate progress the UK has made in decarbonisation. While much of the public debate has focused on decarbonising cars and vans, the event brought to the fore the challenges facing HGVs.

HGVs are an area of vehicles that is especially difficult to decarbonise despite investment by manufacturers which has delivered more than 40 zero-emission models for market.

In 2025, as reported by the SMMT, zero-emission HGV uptake reached a record high, accounting for 1.4% of registrations, but it was dominated by specific utility vehicles such as refuse collection.

The ambition for all new HGVs under 26 tonnes to be zero emission by 2035 and for all HGVs to be zero emission by 2035 is a “stark challenge”, Hawes said, as operators have concerns around payload range, residual values and the high capital cost and availability of charging and refuelling infrastructure.

Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager Stephanie Haszczyn said: “While it’s encouraging to see record growth in zero-emission HGV uptake, what our members have shared is that a mandate for HGVs wouldn’t reflect the current operational and commercial readiness of the sector.

“For many logistics operators, particularly those running long-distance or high-payload routes, significant barriers remain – from vehicle cost and infrastructure availability to uncertainty around residual values. However, it is positive to see government increase its funding for the plug-in grant, and extend the Depot Charging Scheme to mitigate some of these challenges.

“What we need, and what we at Logistics UK continue to call for, is deeper collaboration between government, manufacturers and operators to ensure policy aligns with real-world conditions.

“With the right support mechanisms and coordinated investment, the logistics sector is ready to play its part in accelerating the transition to zero-emission freight.”