Zero emission HGV sales up in 2023 but hold just 0.5% of market

Sales of new zero emission trucks is up more than threefold in 2023 – by 265.6% to 234 units, according to the Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). However, these vehicles account for just 0.5% of the market.

The SMMT warns that the clock is ticking with the end of sale of new, non-zero emission trucks under 26 tonnes coming in 2035, and operators need certainty that making the switch will be commercially viable against tight margins. The SMMT also points out there are acute concerns over the lack of public chargepoint infrastructure and says a national chargepoint strategy needs to include support for HGVs – in depots, at rest stops and on motorways – in every part of the UK.

Overall, sales of HGVs grew for the second year running with UK registrations up 13.5% in 2023. Some 46,227 new trucks of all types, sizes and technologies were put on the road last year, representing the best annual total since 20191 as more businesses invested in their fleets.             

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Two years of growing demand for the very latest, fuel efficient trucks amid testing times reflects these vehicles’ importance to the British economy – and with some HGVs facing the same 2035 end of sale date as cars and vans, the sector is also critical to our green goals. Increasing availability of electric and hydrogen models – and record demand for them – is encouraging market growth but operators need cast-iron confidence to switch. More than ever, government must compel truck infrastructure rollout and provide a signal that the time to invest is now.”

^{Image shows Volvo electric truck.}