UK Fleets Accelerate Net‑Zero Shift with Electric Trucks, HVO Use, and Policy Action

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

In the journey toward net‑zero emissions in the UK’s transport sector, several compelling developments highlight the accelerating momentum across logistics, utilities, and sustainable fuel deployment.

Supply chain giant Wincanton has taken delivery of 24 electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), supplied by DAF, Volvo and Renault, marking a “significant milestone” in its commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The company expects to cut around 2,400 tonnes of CO₂ annually and is deploying new depot charging infrastructure across key sites, including West London, Northamptonshire and the Glasgow area, delivered with partners Voltempo and Gridserve. The move forms part of its involvement in the Electric Freightway and eFREIGHT 2030 consortia under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, supported by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK.

Royal Mail has followed suit, rolling out its first eight electric DAF 42‑tonne XD 350E eHGVs at Midlands and North West parcel hubs. Serving ‘middle‑mile’ deliveries between hubs and mail centres, these vehicles are supported by ABB high‑performance T360 chargers capable of adding 60 miles of range in under 15 minutes. Royal Mail anticipates saving approximately 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, strengthening its path toward net zero by 2040. As part of the Electric Freightway ZEHID programme, funded by up to £200 million in government support, over 200 high‑power chargers are being built to service more than 140 electric trucks across the UK.

Meanwhile, demand for zero‑emission HGVs surged by 59% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Around 183 new zero‑emission HGVs were registered, representing about 1% market share. While encouraging, industry leaders note the uptake must accelerate significantly to meet the target of all new HGVs up to 26 tonnes being zero‑emission by 2035.

In the utilities sector, Southern Water has awarded a substantial £33 million, five‑year contract to Novuna Vehicle Solutions to replace its fleet of over 1,100 diesel vans and cars with electric and plug‑in hybrid models. The contract includes installing charging infrastructure across 36 work sites and employee homes, including rapid, moveable chargers and permanent installations, starting from late June 2025.

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is also gaining traction. Fuel distributor Certas Energy invested a seven‑figure sum to expand its HVO supply network, adding six new depots and aiming to deliver approximately one million additional litres. HVO, which can reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to standard diesel, continues to play a vital role as a drop‑in sustainable fuel alternative.

In a complementary trial, The AA has expanded its HVO vehicle trial from three to 15 units. Over the first year, these trucks have consumed more than 66,000 litres of HVO, driven 210,000 miles, achieved a 95% emissions reduction, and delivered significant fuel savings with improved mileage per gallon. If results hold, the second year could extend emissions reductions well beyond 700 tonnes of CO₂e.

On the policy front, the UK Government unveiled a new 10‑year Infrastructure Strategy centred on decarbonising transport and energy. From 2026‑27 to 2029‑30, £2.6 billion in capital investment will be allocated, including £1.4 billion to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and up to £200 million for HGV-specific measures under the ZEHID programme.

Additionally, Zemo Partnership has identified gaps in the road transport decarbonisation policy framework and is preparing a ‘Map of Missing Policies’ to accelerate action across the UK’s constituent nations. The work, part-funded by the European Climate Foundation, aims to inform strategic, coordinated policy solutions.

Separately, the newly formed ScotCharge consortium backed by a £2 million HGV Market Readiness Fund from Transport Scotland brings together major fleet electrification firms to decarbonise Scotland’s 36,500‑strong HGV sector. A business case is due in December 2025, with a full plan expected by March 2026.

What this means:
The UK transport sector is rapidly progressing across multiple fronts from electrifying heavy freight and commercial fleets, deploying cleaner fuel alternatives like HVO, to shaping infrastructure and policy frameworks supporting decarbonisation. Scaling these efforts remains vital to meet ambitious net‑zero targets, including zero-emission HGV mandates by 2035 and broader transport sector goals by 2050. The combination of public investment, industry innovation, and strategic policy alignment will be central to delivering a low-carbon mobility future.

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