As new HGV registrations declined by 10% in 2025, new zero emission HGV uptake rose 170.5% year-on-year, with demand tripling in Q4 to 251%, compared to the same period in 2024.
Despite the uplift in new electric HGVs, overall the market for new HGVs contracted every quarter last year, according to the latest data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT),
SMMT said this drop reflected a “challenging economic backdrop” and a normalising of fleet renewal after three years of sustained post-pandemic growth.
New heavy goods vehicle registrations fell by10% to 40,504 units in 2025. The contraction included reduced demand for tractor units, down 4.4% to 17,758 units – albeit softened by 6.9% growth in the fourth quarter – to represent two-fifths (43.8%) of the market.
The box van segment saw the largest volume decline, down 28.1% to 3,949 registrations. Conventionally lower volume demand for tipper and curtain-sided trucks also fell, by 11.1% and 26.2% to 3,076 and 2,820 units respectively. On the upside, demand for new refuse disposal trucks rose 22.6% to 2,459 registrations.
Ona brighter note, SMMT said the boost in demand for electric HGVs in 2025 sees the UK surpass the milestone of 1,000 new zero emission truck registrations, pointing to the availability of 21 different models across a range of use cases registered last year, and enhanced public grants as key drivers.
However, it warned that, with zero emission trucks representing just one in every 71 (1.4%) new registrations, the market is still at the very beginning of early adoption.
“Operators face tight margins and uncertainty on how to integrate zero emission vehicles into their fleets, especially given delays of up to 15 years for depot-to-grid connections, which poses a major disincentive, with some operators facing depot-to-grid connection waits of up to 15 years,” SMMT commented.
Looking ahead SMMT said an improved Plug-in Truck Grant and the new Depot Charging Scheme announced last July will help more operators to switch, but they cannot commit to investment without access to improved infrastructure.
“Prioritising road transport depots for grid connections is essential, therefore, with the same fast-tracked planning processes as data centres, wind farms and solar projects able to give more early adopters the clarity and confidence they need to transition,” SMMT said.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The new HGV market continues to normalise amid economic constraints on fleet investment, but a return to growth in 2026 is needed so that UK businesses can keep moving with the latest, cleanest vehicle technology.
“Innovative new models are helping to lift zero emission truck uptake but to unlock real growth, we need faster depot grid connections and planning approvals – only then can more operators invest and capitalise on the benefits of zero emission fleets.”
