SMMT calls for strategy to provide infrastructure to support zero emission freight
Wed 19 April 2023
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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says that a government-led strategy, particularly focused on the provision of infrastructure, to drive the uptake of zero emission trucks is urgently needed if the UK is to meet decarbonisation targets.
With the UK committed to the phase-out of non-zero emitting HGVs in 2040 (and sub-26 tonne trucks by 2035) the SMMT says that the UK has a lot of progress to make: at the moment the UK does not a single HGV-dedicated electric charging or hydrogen filling point. The lack of infrastructure makes it impossible, SMMT says, for the vast majority of operators to contemplate investments to decarbonise their fleets.
The motor manufacturers' trade body says that HGV manufacturers are investing heavily in a broad range of electric and hydrogen models but that these currently account for just one in 600 trucks on UK roads.
SMMT is also calling for the expansion of infrastructure to be matched to wider support for the sector, commenting that there is greater support being given to operators in countries such as France and Finland.
The Society's key recommendations include:
1. Suitable funding commitments to HGV decarbonisation
2. Competitive purchase incentives for zero emission trucks
3. A national plan for installing depot infrastructure
4. Deliver critical public and en-route infrastructure
5. A dedicated HGV infrastructure strategy by Spring 2024
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