Zero‑Emission Transport Takes Off: UK Makes Major Net‑Zero Strides

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

In 2024 and early 2025, the UK transport sector made significant progress toward decarbonisation with a series of impactful developments across public and commercial operations.

Zero‑emission buses saw a strong upswing, with Britain remaining Europe’s largest market by volume. In total, 1,570 electric or hydrogen buses entered service in 2024, reflecting a 35.5 % year‑on‑year increase. Notably, zero‑emission models accounted for 43.9 % of single‑ and double‑decker bus registrations. The rollout was supported by the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, with a second funding phase now delivered, marking robust operator confidence and public demand. Minibus deliveries more than doubled (+102.5 %), while single‑deckers and double‑deckers also saw strong growth. Overall, 8,390 buses were registered in 2024 a record high for the UK and Europe. England led deliveries, while Scotland experienced a minor reduction.

In London, Transport for London (TfL) hit a milestone with more than 2,000 zero‑emission buses on the capital’s routes by mid‑2025 approximately one‑fifth of its fleet. This marks a remarkable increase from just 30 such buses in 2016. TfL aims to transition its entire bus network to zero emissions by 2030, which is projected to save about five million tonnes of carbon over two decades. The investment is also stimulating green manufacturing jobs across the UK.

Further bolstering TfL’s climate credentials, its emission reduction targets were validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). TfL is committing to a 90 % cut in scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and maintaining that reduction through 2040, alongside a 45 % cut in scope 3 emissions by 2030 and full net‑zero by 2040. The move entails electrifying vehicles, sourcing renewables, and installing energy‑efficient lighting across stations and shelters.

On the commercial logistics front, Marks & Spencer introduced 85 zero‑ or low‑emission vehicles into its fleet as part of its Plan A Net‑Zero by 2040 roadmap. This includes five battery‑electric HGVs operating between its distribution centre and stores in London and the South East, and 30 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks using biomethane. The new vehicles represent nearly 10 % of M&S’s transport fleet and offer up to 85 % CO₂ emissions reductions compared to diesel equivalents.

Despite these advances, zero‑emission truck uptake remains low. In 2024, demand fell by 7.3 % to just 217 units, accounting for only 0.5 % market share unchanged from 2023. SMMT notes that this sluggishness is due to high production costs and a lack of charging infrastructure. With the end of the Plug‑in Truck Grant imminent, the industry is calling for compelling incentives and depot support to meet the 2035 target to phase out non‑zero emission HGVs.

Supporting that call, analysis shows that operators face up to 15‑year waits for depot charging connections a timeline that jeopardises fleet electrification ahead of regulatory deadlines. The SMMT is urging a streamlining of planning and grid connection processes to enable rapid commercial vehicle decarbonisation.

On policy, Zemo Partnership hosted a forum to identify “missing policies” needed to scale UK road transport decarbonisation. Commissioned by the European Climate Foundation, this work aims to layer on the Delivery Roadmap for Net‑Zero Transport and map gaps across all UK nations. A final report is due in June and promises to shape future legislative priorities.

Finally, in sustainable logistics innovation, Whistl launched the UK’s first integrated emission‑free delivery trial. The multimodal scheme combined cargo bikes, electric vans, and electric rail to move daily packages between Birmingham and Glasgow. This pilot demonstrates how modal integration can deliver low‑carbon last‑mile logistics.

What this means:
The UK’s transport sector is accelerating toward net zero, with zero‑emission buses leading the charge and sustainable logistics gaining traction through pilot schemes and fleet diversification. However, barriers remain most critically, unlocking commercial vehicle electrification through grid reform, driver incentives, and clear policy alignment. The forthcoming Zemo policies report may provide much‑needed clarity and momentum. As the UK accelerates toward 2030 and 2050 targets, aligned infrastructure and regulatory support will determine whether the sector can not only meet ambitions but surpass them.

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