The Government has announced that all new HGVs sold after 2040 will have to be zero-emission, following similar bans for other vehicles…
ICE HGVs to be Banned
The government has announced that the sale of new ICE HGVs will be banned from 2040. Those that weigh under 26 tonnes will need to be zero-emission by 2035. The announcement coincided with Transport Day at COP26 which, as the name implies, is dedicated to the issue of emissions produced by the transport sector. More broadly, the ban means that it’ll be impossible to buy a new diesel or petrol vehicle in the UK in less than two decades.
As it stands, the sale of new ICE cars and vans will be banned from 2030; with hybrid models following in 2035. This means the market will be dominated by EVs and, possibly, hydrogen models. The UK is one of 23 countries dedicated to rendering new vehicle markets 100% zero-emission by 2040. Other signatories include Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. Although, as of now, there are notable absentees – including France and Germany.
Industry Support
Thus far, industry reactions to the government’s plan for HGVs have been favourable.
Gerry Keaney, Chief Executive of British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), said the organisation looks forward to working closely with the government. He said, “use cases of HGVs vary significantly. So, we welcome the Government’s intention to consult on derogations that will enable a fair and achievable transition. The BVRLA looks forward to working with the Government on the delivery plan; that will be essential in ensuring the UK road transport network can be decarbonised successfully”.
Olly Craughan, head of corporate social responsibility at DPD Group UK, said the company ‘totally supports’ the decision. He said, “we totally support the withdrawal of the selling of new, non-zero emission HGVs in the UK by 2035. As we do the sale of new diesel/petrol final mile fleet vehicles by 2030″. He added, “we would urge all parties involved in the supply of alternative green HGVs to press the fast forward button on their development plans so businesses like ourselves can make the transition as soon as possible”.
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