The new HGV Decarbonisation Report from the Commercial Vehicle Show reveals that the UK heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector remains in the early stages of decarbonisation, with operators divided on the role of electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
Based on responses from 61 UK-based HGV fleet operators, the report highlights a divided market, with no clear consensus emerging around the most viable route to net zero.
Unlike in the LCV sector, which has moved beyond early adoption and into active deployment, diesel continues to dominate HGV fleets, accounting for almost 90% of the average fleet mix. While alternative fuels including HVO, gas and electric vehicles are being explored, adoption remains limited and fragmented.
The findings reveal a clear divide across the industry regarding the future of HGV decarbonisation.
While some operators are actively investing in electric vehicles and alternative fuels, others remain cautious or unconvinced that current technologies can meet operational requirements at scale. Nearly three in ten (29%) operators report having no plans to adopt electric HGVs in the current state of play.
Confidence in achieving net zero by 2040 is also low, with more than two-thirds (68%) of operators saying they are unconfident that the sector will meet its targets, compared to just 13% who believe it can hit them.
Together, the findings point to a market progressing at very different speeds. This is shaped by differences in operational requirements, infrastructure access and confidence in available vehicles and technologies.
The report identifies infrastructure as the single biggest challenge facing HGV decarbonisation.
More than half (52%) of operators ranked infrastructure as their primary concern, ahead of total cost of ownership and operational challenges. Public charging availability and depot grid capacity were highlighted as the most significant issues limiting adoption.
The findings suggest that operators are not necessarily resistant to decarbonisation, but remain concerned about whether the infrastructure needed to support widespread electrification is developing quickly enough.
The report also highlights uncertainty around the long-term role of alternative fuels such as HVO and gas.
Although HVO has gained traction as a lower-disruption solution, as it’s already compatible with many existing diesel vehicles, more than 70% of operators do not believe it will fully replace diesel in the HGV sector, mainly citing supply uncertainty.
Gas presents a similarly mixed picture, with some operators already investing while others have no plans to adopt it, reinforcing the lack of industry consensus around a single pathway to decarbonisation.
Nick Davison, Event Director for the CV Show, said: “The transition to lower-emission HGVs is clearly underway, but this report shows the sector remains at a much earlier stage than other parts of the commercial vehicle industry. Operators are facing significant operational and infrastructure challenges, and there is still no universally accepted route to decarbonisation for heavy transport. The conversations taking place at the CV Show continue to demonstrate how important collaboration, investment and real-world operational insight will be in shaping the future of the sector.”
