Call to increase gross vehicle weights to boost eHGV uptake

The business group said the payload loss issue on the heaviest HGVs needed resolving in order to break down the barriers preventing the uptake of zero-emission fleets.

As a result, it has called for an increase in the authorised gross vehicle weight for eHGVs by two tonnes from 44-tonnes to 46-tonnes and to increase axle weights on the drive axle to 12.5-tonnes.

In a report based on evidence gathered directly from operators and vehicle dealers, the RHA said: “Based on an indicative comparison of electric vs diesel ‘fuel’ running costs, running an electric 6x2 costs £28,282 per year more than its diesel equivalent.

“With current regulations allowing a two tonne derogation to apply on an electric 4x2 tractor unit, the payload loss penalty on the 4x2 falls from 11.8% to 4% with a consequential and more favourable fall in cost to £15,738 per year more than its diesel equivalent.

“However we also note that, where the payload penalty exists, up to 11.8% or 4% more journeys respectively are required to fulfil deliveries compared to their diesel equivalents.”

The report added that with payload loss left unremedied, the increase in cost to run an electric 6x2 and 4x2 for equivalent payloads was 18.7% and 10.4% respectively.

“With the payload penalty removed and a hypothetically lower depot-based electricity unit price available to business of £0.25 per kWh, a saving is generated for an electric 6x2 compared to its diesel equivalent of £1,855 per year,” it said.

RHA MD Richard Smith said: “The industry is committed to decarbonisation, but it must be commercially viable. Our new report shows that current regulations are creating a structural barrier.

“Without change, operators face higher costs, more vehicles on the road and reduced efficiency. If we want to accelerate the transition to zero-emission HGVs, we need the right regulatory framework in place.”

The report can be accessed here