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The challenges facing operators transitioning to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are highlighted in a new report calling for coordinated action on finance, infrastructure and long-term policy certainty.
Published by the Aldersgate Group and the Renewable Energy Association (REA), ‘Ready to Move: A Framework for Decarbonising UK HGVs’ examines the barriers preventing wider adoption of electric trucks, despite their growing use in commercial operations.
The report identifies high vehicle and electricity costs, lengthy grid connections and uncertainty around residual values as major obstacles. It notes that zero-emission vehicles accounted for just 0.3% of the UK's licensed HGV fleet at the end of June 2026, highlighting the scale of the transition still required.
Its recommendations focus on three areas: establishing a clear long-term policy framework, reducing financial risks for operators and investors, and ensuring grid capacity and charging infrastructure are planned ahead of demand.
Proposals include targeted residual value and loan guarantees, greater consistency in battery health information and improvements to grid connection processes. The report also calls for freight requirements to be better reflected in national energy planning, particularly around logistics hubs and major freight routes.
Members can download the Aldersgate Group report.
HGV Finance Innovation Summit white paper
The BVRLA and Green Finance Institute have also published a white paper following their inaugural HGV Finance Innovation Summit, which brought together around 50 representatives from vehicle rental and leasing, freight, manufacturing, finance, infrastructure and government.
‘From Zero to One: Making Zero-Emission HGV Finance Work’ explores the financial and operational challenges facing businesses considering their first zero-emission truck, including residual value uncertainty, vehicle costs and access to infrastructure.
