Scottish Government Unveils £2m HGV Fund for Drivers

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

Exciting news from the Scottish Government as they unveil a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector! With a generous allocation of £2 million for the 2025-26 Heavy Goods Vehicle Market Readiness Fund, the government is taking significant steps towards decarbonising road freight and stimulating the economy.

This innovative fund is designed to foster collaboration among HGV operators, manufacturers, financiers, and charge point operators, creating a unified front to identify and secure vital investments in HGV decarbonisation. The overarching goal? To reduce transport emissions associated with road freight while simultaneously bolstering the economy. This initiative builds upon the initial HGV Decarbonisation Pathway established in 2024, which laid the groundwork for understanding the necessary charging infrastructure to support zero-emission HGVs.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, expressed her enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, “We know we need to reduce transport emissions and we know that the decarbonisation of HGVs requires real innovation and a truly collaborative approach – which is why I’m pleased to announce £2 million for the HGV Market Readiness Fund.”

Hyslop further elaborated on the importance of collaboration, saying, “We’re taking the experience and approach developed for bus decarbonisation and applying it to the HGV sector. But we cannot decarbonise HGVs alone, so we’re working to attract further private investment and create the conditions which will best accelerate decarbonisation at pace and scale.”

A significant portion of this funding, £1 million, has been earmarked specifically to support smaller operators within the road freight sector. Hyslop emphasised, “No one and no sector should be left out of the opportunities created by the transition to a net zero transport system, and I look forward to seeing what this new fund and approach here in Scotland will achieve.”

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warmly welcomed this initiative. Chris Ashley, the Net Zero lead for RHA, stated, “We are delighted that the Scottish Government has earmarked this funding to support our industry’s decarbonisation journey. This investment to help operators prepare for Net Zero is invaluable, particularly for smaller businesses with limited back-office capabilities. It is a welcome boost when costs and a lack of public charging sites continue to hold businesses back from investing in zero-emission vehicles and technologies.”

Ashley expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts between the RHA and the Scottish Government, saying, “We look forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government to deliver this vital support for operators.”

Logistics UK also welcomed the launch of the £2 million HGV Market Readiness Fund, viewing it as a critical step towards the decarbonisation of Scotland’s HGV fleet. Lamech Solomon, Head of Decarbonisation Policy at Logistics UK, highlighted the challenges operators face, stating, “Operators have been clear that the path to decarbonisation will be difficult and expensive. This fund, which will support early collaboration between operators, manufacturers, financiers, and infrastructure providers, should help the sector to overcome the initial barriers to investment.”

As we embark on this ambitious journey towards a more sustainable future, the Heavy Goods Vehicle Market Readiness Fund stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing climate change. By investing in the decarbonisation of HGVs, we are not only paving the way for a cleaner environment but also creating new opportunities for growth and innovation within the transport sector.

The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. The road freight sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, and the transition to zero-emission vehicles is crucial for achieving our net-zero goals. By encouraging collaboration and investment in decarbonisation, the Scottish Government is setting a precedent that could inspire similar initiatives across the UK and beyond.

As we move forward, it is essential for all stakeholders, from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to engage with this fund and seize the opportunities it presents. The transition to net zero is not just a responsibility but an opportunity to lead in innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. Together, we can create a robust framework for a decarbonised transport system that benefits everyone.

In conclusion, the launch of the £2 million Heavy Goods Vehicle Market Readiness Fund marks a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a sustainable future. With the commitment of the Scottish Government, industry stakeholders, and the collective efforts of the transport sector, we can accelerate the decarbonisation of HGVs and contribute to a cleaner, greener world. Let’s embrace this opportunity and work together to drive the change needed for a sustainable future!