UK fleet managers need grid connection to invest in electric HGVs

Electric HGV sales triple as fleet operators highlight charging bottleneck

Sales of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles in the UK jumped 171% in 2025, reaching 587 units. This marked a record year for electric HGV adoption. However, these vehicles still represent just 1.4% of the total HGV market.

The achievement comes with a significant caveat. Fleet managers say grid connection delays are blocking wider investment. They want government guarantees for depot charging infrastructure before committing to larger electric fleets.

Total HGV registrations fell 10% to 40,504 units during the same period. Economic pressures and normalising fleet replacement cycles contributed to the decline. Nevertheless, interest in zero-emission technology continues to build among transport operators.

Record growth builds on small base despite market contraction

The UK HGV market faced economic headwinds throughout 2025. Registrations dropped in every quarter. Tractor unit sales fell 4.4% to 17,758 units. Box vans declined more sharply, down 28.1% to 3,949 units.

Zero-emission vehicles bucked this trend. Moreover, the UK passed 1,000 cumulative new zero-emission HGV registrations in 2025. The total fleet of electric HGVs over six tonnes now exceeds 1,166 units.

Fourth quarter results showed particularly strong momentum. Electric HGV registrations climbed 251% year-on-year to 179 units. This represented the strongest quarterly performance on record.

Buyers now have access to 21 different zero-emission HGV models. These cover various use cases from urban delivery to long-haul freight. Consequently, operators can match vehicles to specific operational requirements.

Government incentives helped drive adoption. The Plug-in Truck Grant received an £18 million boost. It now offers up to £120,000 per tractor unit. Additionally, a new Depot Charging Scheme launched in July 2025.

Major logistics operators made substantial commitments. Amazon ordered 140 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 e-trucks for its UK network. This order signals confidence from large fleet operators despite infrastructure challenges.

Infrastructure development trails vehicle availability

Gridserve opened two high-power charging hubs for electric HGVs in January 2026. The facilities at Baldock on the A1(M) and Exeter on the M5 serve motorway traffic. The company plans further rollout during 2026.

These public charging sites address long-distance requirements. However, they cannot replace depot-based charging for most fleet operations. Operators need reliable overnight charging at their own facilities.

Grid connection timelines remain unpredictable. Planning approval processes add further delays. Fleet managers report that uncertainty around charging infrastructure prevents them from placing vehicle orders.

The situation contrasts with treatment of other electricity users. Data centres and solar farms often receive faster grid connections. Transport operators argue that electric HGVs deserve similar priority for infrastructure access.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, addressed the challenge directly. He stated that innovative new models are helping lift zero-emission truck uptake. Nevertheless, real growth requires faster depot grid connections and planning approvals. Only then can more operators invest and benefit from zero-emission fleets.

Some progress is visible beyond public charging. M&S expanded its London electric fleet with Vertellus trucks. The first electric HGV also completed a Channel Tunnel crossing in 2025. These milestones demonstrate technical feasibility.

UK performance compares unfavourably with buses and European neighbours

Electric buses and coaches achieved far stronger market penetration in 2025. Zero-emission bus sales rose 62.2% to over 2,500 units. These vehicles now represent 27.3% of the UK bus and coach market.

The contrast with HGVs is stark. Electric HGVs reached only 1.4% market share despite 171% growth. This gap reflects different operational patterns and infrastructure requirements between the sectors.

Bus operators typically work from fixed depots with predictable routes. This makes charging infrastructure planning more straightforward. Furthermore, many buses return to the same location each night for charging.

HGV operations vary more widely. Some fleets work regionally while others cover long distances. Different business models create diverse charging needs. As a result, infrastructure solutions must accommodate multiple use cases.

European markets show higher electric HGV adoption rates. Battery-electric trucks reached 4.2% market share across the EU for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. The UK therefore lags behind continental neighbours.

European operators face similar challenges with infrastructure and costs. However, some countries have implemented more comprehensive charging networks. Others provide stronger financial incentives for fleet electrification.

Diesel HGVs still dominate UK roads. They account for more than 98% of heavy goods vehicles. This overwhelming majority will take years to displace even with accelerated electric adoption.

Five critical facts about UK electric HGV growth

• UK fleets registered 587 new zero-emission HGVs in 2025, representing 171% growth but only 1.4% of total market share.
• The Plug-in Truck Grant now provides up to £120,000 per tractor unit following an £18 million funding increase announced in 2025.
• Fourth quarter registrations surged 251% year-on-year to 179 units, demonstrating accelerating adoption despite economic pressures.
• Electric buses captured 27.3% of their market compared to 1.4% for HGVs, highlighting the impact of established depot charging infrastructure.
• European battery-electric trucks achieved 4.2% market share, indicating the UK trails continental adoption rates.
• Gridserve opened high-power charging hubs at Baldock and Exeter in January 2026, with further sites planned throughout the year.

Grid connection delays threaten net zero transport goals

The disparity between vehicle availability and charging infrastructure creates a bottleneck. Twenty-one electric HGV models are now on the market. Financial incentives reduce upfront costs significantly. Despite this, many fleet managers cannot proceed with orders.

Depot charging infrastructure requires substantial electrical capacity. A typical HGV depot might need several megawatts of power. Upgrading grid connections to support this demand takes months or years in many areas.

Planning permission adds another layer of delay. Local authorities must approve charging infrastructure installations. These processes can extend timelines further, particularly for larger facilities. Consequently, operators face multi-year waits before they can deploy electric fleets.

This situation affects decarbonisation timelines. Road freight produces substantial carbon emissions. Electric HGVs offer a proven solution. However, infrastructure delays prevent deployment at scale.

Fleet operators want government intervention. Specifically, they seek guaranteed grid connection timelines. This would allow businesses to plan investments with confidence. It would also align infrastructure development with vehicle production schedules.

The comparison with data centres raises questions about priorities. These facilities often receive fast-tracked grid connections. Fleet operators argue that transport decarbonisation deserves equivalent treatment given its climate importance.

Economic conditions may improve in 2026. Mike Hawes noted that market normalisation reflected post-pandemic adjustment. He called for 2026 growth to equip businesses with the cleanest vehicle technology. This positions infrastructure as the critical enabling factor.

Success in the bus sector demonstrates what is possible. Electric buses achieved 27.3% market share with established depot charging. Applying similar infrastructure investment to HGV depots could produce comparable results. This would dramatically accelerate heavy goods vehicle electrification.

The next two years will prove decisive. Vehicle choice continues expanding. Grant funding remains available. Infrastructure delivery will determine whether electric HGV adoption accelerates or stalls. Fleet managers have made their requirements clear.

SBS perspective on fleet electrification planning

Businesses considering electric HGV adoption face complex planning challenges. The vehicles themselves have become commercially viable for many use cases. However, infrastructure uncertainty complicates decision-making. We work with fleet operators to assess readiness across multiple factors.

Depot electrical capacity requires early assessment. Many sites lack sufficient power supply for HGV charging. Therefore, businesses need to understand upgrade requirements before committing to vehicle orders. This includes engaging with distribution network operators about connection timelines.

Total cost of ownership analysis helps clarify the business case. Electric HGVs have higher purchase prices despite grants. Nevertheless, fuel and maintenance savings can offset this over the vehicle lifetime. Accurate modelling requires realistic assumptions about charging costs and utilisation rates.

Route analysis determines operational feasibility. Electric HGVs suit some duty cycles better than others. Short urban routes with depot returns work well. Long-distance trunking requires careful planning around public charging availability. Matching vehicles to operations prevents costly mistakes.

Supply chain implications extend beyond direct fleet decisions. Many businesses face sustainability requirements from customers. Public sector suppliers particularly encounter tender criteria around fleet emissions. Our net zero program helps businesses meet carbon reporting requirements including transport emissions.

Planning approval processes vary by location. Some local authorities have established procedures for charging infrastructure. Others lack experience with large-scale installations. Early engagement with planning departments reduces delays. It also identifies potential obstacles before significant costs accumulate.

Grid connection applications require technical documentation. Distribution network operators need detailed specifications about electrical demand. They assess impact on local network capacity. Businesses benefit from professional support preparing these applications. This improves approval chances and may accelerate timelines.

Risk management strategies address infrastructure uncertainty. Some businesses adopt phased approaches with initial small-scale deployments. Others negotiate conditional vehicle orders tied to infrastructure milestones. These approaches balance ambition with practical constraints. Our compliance services support businesses navigating complex regulatory requirements while managing operational risks.

Training needs accompany fleet electrification. Drivers require familiarisation with electric vehicle operation. Maintenance teams need new skills for high-voltage systems. Therefore, workforce development should proceed alongside infrastructure planning. SBS Academy delivers practical training on sustainability topics including fleet transition management.

Official guidance and industry resources

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders publishes regular market statistics and analysis. Their reports track electric HGV registrations and provide industry commentary. Visit the SMMT website for the latest data and position papers on infrastructure requirements.

The Department for Transport administers the Plug-in Truck Grant scheme. Detailed eligibility criteria and application processes appear on the government website. The department also oversees the Depot Charging Scheme launched in July 2025.

Energy Networks Association represents UK electricity distribution companies. They provide information about grid connection processes and typical timelines. Their guidance helps businesses understand what to expect when applying for increased electrical capacity.

Zevi (the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Advisory Panel) offers recommendations on charging infrastructure deployment. Their reports address policy gaps and propose solutions to accelerate installation. These documents inform ongoing government consultations about transport electrification.

The Freight Transport Association publishes practical guidance for fleet operators. Their resources cover operational considerations for electric HGVs including range management and charging strategies. Members can access case studies from early adopters across different sectors.