Zero emission truck sales reach record levels while UK's ZE bus sales lead Europe
Mon 19 May 2025
View all news
The take-up of zero emission trucks rose by 94% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching record levels, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data. Meanwhile, UK demand for new zero emission buses rose by nearly 130% to 739 units, sustaining the UK's lead as Europe's largest market for new zero emission buses by volume.
While the overall UK market for heavy good vehicles (HGVs) declined by 12% in the first three months of 2025, registrations of new zero emission HGVs almost doubled compared to Q1 2024 to reach 97 units (1% of the overall market compared with 0.5% in 2024). The SMMT says that manufacturers are investing heavily in innovation, with 35 e-HGV zero emission models currently available.
Under the Government’s zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate, all new HGVs up to 26 tonnes – the majority of the market – must be emission-free by 2035. The heavy commercial vehicle transition is being supported by government schemes such as the Plug-in Truck Grant and the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.
Meanwhile, the UK remains Europe’s largest market for new zero emission buses by volume – a position solidified by a more than doubling of demand in Q1, up 129.5% to 739 units. Against a backdrop of rapidly rising demand for buses, nearly 30% of single and double deckers sold in Q1 were zero emission vehicles.
The UK's bus sector remains the most advanced in terms of road transport decarbonisation with the car and van sectors also making significant progress. Manufacturers now offer almost 20 different models, with the market supported by funding from the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) grants.
The UK already manufactures many different zero emission models in all road transport sectors so the challenge now is to scale-up demand. With two gigafactory locations either in production or build, the SMMT says that the UK is well positioned for investment but need the right conditions especially on energy. "With a stronger EV manufacturing base and thriving consumer demand, the UK can compete for more future global investment – bringing the jobs, economic growth and decarbonisation we need".
Related Links
< Back to news list