Chris TS

The UK’s push for net zero is entering a critical phase. While early efforts have focused on decarbonising sectors like energy and personal transport, attention has now turned to commercial transport - one of the hardest industries to abate.

HGVs play an essential role in keeping supply chains moving, but their environmental impact is impossible to ignore. HGVs account for a fifth of the UK’s transport emissions – a footprint equivalent to all UK air travel, buses and shipping combined. It’s no surprise, then, that decarbonising this sector has become a top priority for policymakers.

While the ambition is clear, progress has been slow. For years, the conversation around zero-emission transport has been met with a familiar response: “The technology isn’t ready, the infrastructure isn’t there, it’s just too expensive.” These concerns have been justified. Unlike passenger EVs, where adoption has been driven by consumer incentives and a growing charging network, clean HGVs require a more complex, large-scale transition. Charging eHGVs or refuelling biogas trucks isn’t as simple as plugging in a car at a public charger - fleet operators need certainty that energy supply is reliable, downtime is minimised, and costs remain competitive.

The biggest challenge has been infrastructure. Right now, there are fewer than five dedicated HGV charge points across the UK, a stark contrast to the rapid expansion of EV charging for passenger vehicles. Public and private investment in clean transport infrastructure has overwhelmingly favoured cars and vans, as seen with the National Wealth Fund’s recent £55m investment in Connected Kerb, a roadside EV charging company. However, HGV operators can’t rely on car-focused infrastructure; they need refuelling solutions tailored to the demands of supply chain logistics, with multi-energy hubs offering fast, scalable and cost-effective clean refuelling.

There has also been hesitation around cost. The upfront price of zero-emission HGVs remains higher than diesel alternatives, and while total cost of ownership (TCO) is improving, many operators are waiting for price parity before committing. Market uncertainty hasn’t helped either. According to the SMMT, growth in zero-emission HGVs has stalled in recent months, despite strong demand for sustainable logistics and mounting regulatory pressure. Fleets are understandably cautious, awaiting clarity on policies like the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Mandate before making long-term investment decisions.

Why is now the time to act?

Despite these challenges, we are now at a tipping point. The transition to clean HGVs is no longer a question of “if” - it’s “when.” More importantly, “who will move first?” Government mandates require nearly three-quarters of the transport market to go green within the next decade, making delay no longer an option. At the same time, advancements in battery technology and increased model availability are bringing zero-emission HGVs closer to TCO parity with diesel, making the switch not just a regulatory requirement but a commercially viable decision.

Beyond compliance, market forces are also accelerating change. Businesses are facing increasing pressure from customers and investors to decarbonise supply chains, and sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, it’s a competitive advantage. Operators that transition early won’t just be meeting regulations; they’ll be securing long-term contracts, building brand reputation and future-proofing their businesses against inevitable policy shifts.

Infrastructure is also finally catching up. Investment in multi-energy hubs, high-speed charging, and hydrogen refuelling stations is increasing, and in January, Aegis Energy announced plans to build the UK’s first-ever network of clean, multi-energy hubs designed specifically for commercial fleets. These hubs will provide the flexibility fleets need to decarbonise on their own terms, ensuring that the transition is both practical and commercially sustainable.

Those who move first will thrive

For too long, the HGV sector has been left behind in the race to net zero, but the reality is cleaner, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable commercial transport is within reach. The industry now faces a choice: wait until the last minute and risk being left behind, or take proactive steps today to secure a competitive edge. The transition to clean HGVs isn’t a distant goal - it’s happening now. In the words of Lilian Greenwood MP, minister for transport, “those who move first, will thrive”.