UK Freight Advances on Green Logistics: Electric and Hydrogen HGVs, Policy Boosts

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In December 2025, Royal Mail deployed its first eight fully electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) at parcel hubs in the Midlands and North West, replacing conventional 42‑tonne diesel trucks. These electric vehicles, supplied through the Electric Freightway initiative, are supported by high-performance rapid chargers, enabling quick recharging and reducing around 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Royal Mail aims to reach net zero by 2040 and already operates one of the UK’s largest electric van fleets with over 7,000 vans powered by 100% renewable electricity.

Meanwhile, uptake of zero-emission HGVs is surging across the UK. In Q3 2025, registrations grew by an impressive 341%, reaching 225 units and achieving a record 2.4% market share. Year-to-date volumes stand at 408, up 145.8% year-over-year. Despite overall HGV registrations dropping amid economic pressures, the growth of zero-emission trucks underscores Britain’s position as Europe’s second-largest market for zero-emission HGVs.

In build-out of infrastructure, Fleete has commenced construction on a landmark EV charging hub at the Port of Tilbury in Essex. Set to open in December 2025, the 5 MW facility will feature 16 ultra-rapid chargers for commercial vehicles, poised to become the UK’s largest dedicated EV charging hub for fleets, enabling 24/7 operations.

The government has also increased its support for zero-emission freight. In January 2026, it committed an additional £18 million to the Plug-in Truck Grant, offering discounts up to £120,000 on new electric trucks through March 2026. The boost is part of a broader £318 million green freight plan and includes a consultation on phasing out non-zero‑emission HGVs by 2040, aiming to provide clarity for industry investment.

As part of pioneering real-world trials, the ZENFreight consortium added John G Russell (Transport) Ltd in mid-2025, venturing into trials of hydrogen fuel cell (HFCEV) and battery electric HGVs. The fleet will include three MAN BEVs and three Scania HFCEVs, with depot‑based electric charging and hydrogen refuelling installing in Coatbridge near Glasgow. All vehicles are expected on roads by March 2026, as part of a five-year performance benchmarking against diesel equivalents under the ZEHID programme.

What this means:
The UK logistics sector is undergoing significant transformation. Royal Mail’s deployment of electric HGVs and Fleete’s creation of the largest charging hub signal tangible infrastructure progress, further supported by a prudent government funding uplift and policy clarity. The sharp rise in zero-emission HGV registrations reflects growing operator confidence, while ZENFreight’s hydrogen and electric trials offer valuable comparative data for long-haul decarbonisation choices.

Together, these developments indicate a material shift towards electrified and sustainable freight operations. Continued success will depend on scaling infrastructure, easing investment hurdles, and leveraging trial insights for broader adoption.

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