Search
The inaugural HGV Finance Innovation Summit brought vehicle operators, finance providers, manufacturers and policymakers together to explore solutions to one of the major barriers to HGV decarbonisation. Co-hosted by the BVRLA and Green Finance Institute (GFI), the summit was hosted by KPMG in London and also enabled a series of structured engagements between stakeholders that can bring solutions to market in the years ahead.
Throughout the day (01 October), the automotive and finance sectors came together to explore how residual value risk can be reduced to support greater investment in zero-emission trucks.
While many of the challenges facing HGV decarbonisation are already well understood, the economics of financing new technology remain difficult. Higher upfront costs, uncertainty over future demand and limited evidence on the long-term value of zero-emission trucks can all influence the cost and availability of finance.
The summit utilised keynote speeches and panel discussions to focus on how those risks can be better understood and shared, and what industry and government can learn from emerging approaches in the UK and overseas. Speakers represented fleet operators, UK government, finance lenders, manufacturers and infrastructure providers.
Toby Poston, BVRLA Chief Executive, said: “Decarbonising road freight is a very different proposition to making the transition with cars or vans. The vehicles are expensive, operating requirements are demanding and the investment decisions being made today need to stack up over decades.
“Residual values are an integral part of that equation. Bringing operators, finance providers, manufacturers and government into the same room is how we can explore different approaches against commercial reality. This summit is a key step in creating more constructive conversations about where industry can act and where policy intervention will be needed.”
International experiences formed a central part of the discussions. Richard Lovell, Executive Director, Debt Markets at Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation, outlined lessons from Australia and the role public backing can play in addressing residual value uncertainty. Closer to home, Sara Schiffer of Hylane presented the German company’s experience of emerging rental and finance models, and what operators in the UK should consider if adopting a similar approach.
Ryan Jude, Executive Director of Built Environment, Transport & Communities for the Green Finance Institute, said: “HGVs represent 16% of UK domestic transport emissions, the transition to zero emission freight will ultimately depend on whether capital can flow into projects at the scale and pace required. That means turning deployment opportunities into investable propositions that work for operators, financiers and asset owners alike.
“The next phase of the transition requires coordinated action across the market to address financing barriers, build investor confidence and develop a pipeline of bankable projects. This is why we brought together investors, operators, manufacturers and government - to unlock private capital to accelerate the transition to zero emission freight.”
The HGV Finance Innovation Summit 2026 was held at KPMG, Canada Square, London, on 1 October.
ENDS
