UK Evolving Green Logistics: Electric HGVs, Low‑Carbon Fuels & Infrastructure Investments

Welcome to Net Zero News, your daily briefing on the UK’s transition to a low‑carbon future.

In recent months, the UK’s freight and logistics sector has moved decisively towards decarbonisation, driven by significant investments, pilot programmes and strategic alliances. A key milestone emerged in early January 2026 when the government expanded the Plug‑in Truck Grant, providing discounts of up to £120,000 on new electric trucks as part of a £318 million green freight support package. Smaller trucks (4.25–12t) can now qualify for up to £20,000, mid‑sized vehicles (12–18t) for £60,000, and larger trucks (18–26t) for £80,000 off the purchase price.

At the same time, the Electric Freightway initiative continues to gain momentum. According to the third report from the programme delivered by GRIDSERVE and Hitachi ZeroCarbon, fleets within the consortium have surpassed half a million zero‑emission miles. The findings also suggest that for certain use cases, electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) could achieve lower total cost of ownership than diesel equivalents.

Royal Mail has taken practical steps in this transition, rolling out eight new DAF XD 350E 42‑tonne electric trucks at its Midlands and North West parcel hubs in December 2025. These eHGVs, supported by ABB T360 high‑performance chargers delivering up to 60 miles of range in under 15 minutes, are expected to cut annual carbon emissions by around 1,000 tonnes.

Meanwhile, Wincanton has deployed its first 24 electric‑powered trucks, sourced from manufacturers including DAF, Volvo and Renault, to reduce CO₂ by approximately 2,400 tonnes annually. To support their use, depot charging infrastructure is being rolled out in Greenford, Portbury, near Glasgow and Northamptonshire, thanks to a collaboration between Voltempo and Gridserve.

Fuel diversity is also being embraced. The Road Haulage Association reports that while only 9% of HGV operators currently use eHGVs and 14% intend to within five years, many still cite lack of range, high vehicle costs, and payload loss as barriers. To address this, operators are calling for policy support for low‑carbon fuel alternatives like biomethane, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and hydrogen. Industry groups suggest that scaling low‑carbon fuels across half of the 44‑tonne fleet by 2035 could cut emissions in that category by 45%.

Demonstrating low‑carbon liquid fuels in action, Woodland Group, in partnership with Ball Corporation, has trialled HVO since March 2024. The initiative achieved a 90% cut in CO₂ emissions 22 tonnes compared to 229 tonnes on the same routes using standard diesel. Electric HGV trials by Woodland also delivered a 66% emissions reduction over 30 days, despite existing grid limitations.

In Wales, the Zemo Partnership report to the Welsh Government recommends a suite of policy measures to decarbonise the commercial vehicle sector. Primarily focusing on electrification, the report still sees a role for low‑carbon fuels now and hydrogen from the late 2030s. The plan could deliver 8.4MtCO₂e savings by 2050, alongside cost‑benefit returns worth nearly £8 per pound invested, including £2.1 billion in fuel cost reductions over this period. At a strategic level, the Green Alliance’s ‘Charging Ahead’ report outlines how the UK can accelerate zero‑emission HGV uptake. The roadmap calls for de‑risking investment in vehicles and infrastructure, reforming planning regulations around weight limits and depot charging, and fostering collaboration between government, grid operators and logistics firms especially through shared charging depots.

Industry-led frameworks are also emerging. The Welch Group has launched its “12 Pillars of Change” roadmap via the TwentyForty platform, uniting freight leaders around a practical, industry-led plan for zero‑emission freight aligned with the UK’s 2040 ban on new fossil fuel trucks. In Scotland, the SCALE consortium (Scotland Charging to Accelerate Logistics Electrification), supported by Transport Scotland’s £2 million HGV Market Readiness Fund, is mobilising hauliers and charging technology providers like Voltempo to accelerate eHGV adoption.

These developments reflect substantial progress across multiple angles: vehicle deployment, infrastructure buildout, policy advocacy, and collaborative networks. Demand is rising too: the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reports a 59% year‑on‑year jump in new zero‑emission HGV registrations during the first half of 2025, to 183 units, though this still represents just 1% of the market. As more models enter the market (now numbering around 35), the potential for rapid scale‑up is growing.

What this means:
The UK’s freight sector is increasingly poised for a green transition. Government incentives like the enhanced Plug‑in Truck Grant are making electric trucks more financially viable. Industry consortia and operators are ratcheting up adoption and infrastructure, while policy frameworks and roadmaps offer clarity and purpose. Yet challenges remain—chiefly around grid capacity, infrastructure deployment, vehicle availability, and regulatory barriers. Addressing these through collaborative action and strategic support will determine how swiftly zero‑emission freight becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Upcoming Events:
Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference -16 June 2026, Edinburgh

Net Zero Nations Projects Conference – 6 October 2026, Westminster

Do you have technologies, innovations or solutions that can help public-sector net-zero projects?
Email: lee@net-zero.scot