UK Electric Truck Sales Drop 7.3% as Infrastructure Lags
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV) sales fell to 217 units in 2023-2024, representing just 0.5% of the market.
Two key factors drove the decline: lack of government incentives and limited charging infrastructure. This comes despite the UK’s plan to end sales of non-zero emission trucks up to 26 tonnes by 2035.
The Plug-in Truck Grant, available since 2016, ends March 31, 2025.
A new demonstration program will offer support to select fleets for depot upgrades, but results won’t emerge until 2030.
Truck manufacturers have invested in zero-emission models, but higher production costs translate to increased purchase prices for operators. Depot infrastructure upgrades present additional financial barriers.
The UK currently has fewer than five charging stations designed for heavy trucks. Mass adoption requires a national charging network supporting all electric vehicles.
“A slight decline in truck fleet renewal reflects a sector that is normalising after strong post-Covid growth,” says SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes. “With most of the market nearly one full investment cycle away from the 2035 end-of-sale, urgent action is needed to address stagnant zero emission uptake.”
“Manufacturers are delivering the products and now operators must be convinced to invest,” Hawes adds. “Meaningful fiscal support and infrastructure rollout is essential, so fleet transition is a compelling commercial proposition.”
