The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is today releasing a new Net Zero report based on a road transport sector-wide survey of UK HGV, coach and van operators. The results of the RHA report show that substantial support will be needed to meet the UK’s HGV diesel phase out dates.
70% of HGV operators surveyed currently have no plans to introduce electric vehicles. 75% of coach operators surveyed currently have no plans to introduce electric vehicles.
Meanwhile Two-fifths of van operators surveyed either already have electric vehicles or plan to within the next five years.
Concerns raised by businesses must be overcome.
These include the current cost, suitability, availability and performance of zero emission vehicles.
RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith said:"Our sector is the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet zero emission vehicle affordability, availability and performance remain major barriers to decarbonisation. "Our message is clear: Without decisive action now from Government to support businesses, questions will be asked about whether the 2035 and 2040 diesel phase-out deadlines are achievable.” Richard added: “The RHA is committed to finding solutions and making the road to net zero achievable and affordable to the sector we represent. Our findings will guide future discussions with ministers.” RHA is calling for an urgent Government action plan that includes:
- A commitment to provide urgent financing options for businesses.
- A commitment to support low and no carbon fuel alternatives such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
- A commitment to infrastructure investment nationwide: speed up planning and grid connections, and provide more charging and refuelling sites for HGVs, coaches and vans.
A full breakdown of recommendations and results, including stats for specific vehicles/ sectors, is in the attached report. ENDSNotes to editors / key findings:
- The RHA ran the Net Zero Survey from 3rd March to 15th April 2025 amongst van, HGV and coach operators nationwide. This is the first representative, nationwide report of its kind looking at Road Transport industry-wide readiness.
- As things stand, 70% of HGV operators surveyed have no plans to add zero emission vehicles to their fleets.
- 75% of coach operators surveyed have no plans to add zero emission vehicles to their fleets.
- 9% of HGV operators surveyed were operating electric HGVs, with a further 14% of operators planning to bring electric HGVs into their fleets within the next five years.
- Two-fifths of all van operators surveyed either have electric commercial vehicles in their fleets or plan to within the next five years.
- The biggest barriers stopping HGV operators from going electric are limited range ( 45% said this was their main concern) and high vehicle purchase costs ( 38%)
- This comes as the Green Finance Institute has estimated that £100bn of additional finance is needed to invest in zero emission HGVs.
