Heavy goods vehicles may make up a smaller share of road traffic compared with cars, but they are responsible for almost 20% of the UK’s transport emissions. Large diesel engines produce significant amounts of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. If all of the UK’s 500,000 HGVs were switched to electric, the reduction in emissions could be around 20 million tonnes of CO₂e each year, roughly equivalent to powering two million homes. In response, the government has set clear targets: by 2035, all new trucks under 26 tonnes must be zero-emission, and by 2040 this will extend to all new HGVs.

At present, only around 1% of new HGV sales are zero-emission. Progress is being encouraged through funding and grants, including the Plug-in Truck Grant, which offers up to £25,000 off the largest electric trucks, and the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID), a £200 million programme aiming to deploy around 350 electric and hydrogen trucks and more than 70 charging sites across the country. Projects like the Electric Freightway, led by GRIDSERVE, are already installing charging hubs at motorway service stations and depots, with Nissan opening the first depot charging site in Sunderland.

Switching to electric HGVs brings several advantages. Running costs are lower since depot charging is cheaper than diesel, and maintenance costs are reduced because electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts. Companies can also avoid charges in ultra-low emission zones and clean air zones. Drivers benefit from smoother, quieter rides that reduce fatigue, and operating a greener fleet supports sustainability goals and strengthens corporate reputation.

Range limitations remain a key concern because heavy loads and large batteries affect how far trucks can travel on a single charge. Charging infrastructure is still developing for HGVs, though megawatt charging technology is expected to cut charging times in the near future. Adequate power supply and depot space are essential, and upfront costs remain high, even with grants, meaning fleet renewal will take place gradually.

Several electric HGV models are now available in the UK. The Volvo FH Electric offers a 44-tonne payload with a range of up to 300 miles and can be charged in just over two hours using DC fast charging. Mercedes-Benz eActros provides similar range and payload capabilities, while DAF offers the XB, XD, and XF Electric models for different haulage needs. Renault Trucks has the E-Tech T and D Wide Z.E., and MAN produces the eTGM and eTGX. UK-based Tevva focuses on medium-duty electric and hydrogen-electric trucks, and BYD is expanding its ETM6 model across Europe.

Businesses should begin planning now. This includes trialling vehicles to gather real-world performance data, reviewing depot space and power availability, training drivers and fleet managers on electric vehicle operations, and developing business cases based on total cost of ownership modelling.

The shift to electric HGVs is inevitable. Regulations, incentives, and new vehicle models are already in place, and the market will grow rapidly over the next decade.

Companies that plan early will be better positioned to manage costs, comply with regulations, and achieve their sustainability goals.