HGV operators face significant barriers to adopting zero-emission vehicles, according to a recent report from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA). 

The HGV Outlook 2026 report identifies cost, infrastructure and uncertainty as key challenges affecting fleet decision-making, which are leaving many operators struggling to build a clear business case for switching to zero-emission trucks.

The report highlights ongoing financial pressures across the sector, with operators juggling the challenges of rising operating cost, regulatory change and decarbonisation requirements.

It also notes the uneven progress towards decarbonisation across the industry, with larger operators generally better placed to explore new technologies, while smaller fleets face greater constraints.

In response, fleets are adapting their strategies, including extending vehicle lifecycles and reviewing funding approaches as they manage risk and investment decisions.

The BVRLA said the findings underline the scale of the challenge facing the sector as it works towards decarbonisation, particularly in the absence of fully developed infrastructure and clear long-term cost certainty.

BVRLA chief executive Toby Poston, said: “The industry is not disputing the direction of travel but it is signalling a structural affordability gap and uncertainty around residual values and secondary markets.”

He added: “The capital intensity of zero emission technology, and the uncertainty around infrastructure and residual values demand careful risk management and constructive engagement with policy makers.”

Key takeaways include:

  • Many HGV operators do not yet see a clear business case for switching to zero-emission vehicles
  • Cost pressures remain a major challenge across the sector
  • Infrastructure limitations are a key barrier to zero-emission HGV adoption
  • There is significant uncertainty around the transition, affecting investment decisions
  • Operators are dealing with a complex mix of regulatory change and decarbonisation requirements
  • Progress towards zero-emission fleets is uneven across the industry
  • Larger operators are generally better placed to invest in new technologies
  • Smaller fleets face greater financial and operational constraints

Fleets are adapting by:

  • Extending vehicle lifecycles
  • Reviewing funding and financing strategies

 

Carol Millett is an award-winning freelance journalist with over 30 years’ of experience writing across a broad range of sectors, including road transport, construction and civil engineering, project management, private finance, technology, HR, and travel and tourism.View full Profile

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