NFDA comments on Government's pledge for zero emissions HGV's by 2040

Today (10 November 2021) the Government has confirmed its pledge for all new HGVs to be zero emissions by 2040.

As a result, the UK becomes the first country in the world to commit to phasing out new, non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles weighing 26 tonnes and under by 2035, with all new HGVs sold in the UK to be zero emission by 2040.

This announcement, combined with the UK’s 2030 phase out for petrol and diesel cars and vans, comes as part of a pledge to have only zero emission new road vehicles in the UK within the next two decades.

Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Commercial Vehicle Division, commented: “Whilst we fully support the Government’s efforts and continue to work hard alongside our business members to decarbonise transport, we must highlight that greater investments and further clarity will be needed within the HGV sector.

“Meeting the 2035 and 2040 targets will be challenging primarily due to the lack of strategy and direction on what technology will represent a viable alternative to diesel and compressed natural gas for trucks.

“The 2035 cut-off date for trucks below 26 tonnes is concerning as, without a clear plan, it could push buyers onto heavier trucks over 26 tonnes for an additional five years.

“We look forward to working with the Government to discuss how to best overcome the important, practical obstacles facing the decarbonisation of the HGV sector”.