Low demand for zero emission HGVs

The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association ("BVRLA") has published its HGV Outlook 2026 report, highlighting a sector under sustained pressure as it balances rising costs, cautious confidence and the realities of decarbonisation. 

This new report shows a stable UK HGV parc of just over 520,000 vehicles, but an operating environment where more than 71pct of fleets describe conditions as challenging. Persistent inflation in vehicle maintenance and labour costs, combined with regulatory uncertainty, is reshaping how operators invest and manage their fleets.  

At the same time, the transition to zero emission trucks is moving from long-term ambition to immediate operational concern. Just 9pct of HGV operators surveyed are confident in the business case for zero emission trucks. While there is broad acceptance of the direction of travel, the report identifies a host of key barriers to adoption. Operators cite a clear affordability gap, infrastructure constraints and uncertainty around residual values as factors behind a two-speed transition, where larger fleets are progressing more quickly than smaller firms. 

Despite this, the sector is not resistant to change. The findings point to a pragmatic industry adapting its funding models, extending asset lifecycles and exploring new approaches to risk sharing through leasing and rental. 

BVRLA Chief Executive Toby Poston said, “Road freight sits at the heart of the UK economy, but the sector is now navigating a period of profound structural change. We are just about on track with cars, vans are already way behind, while the decarbonisation outlook for trucks is daunting. 

“Operators are not questioning the long-term need to reduce emissions, but they are facing a complex mix of cost pressure, regulatory change and decarbonisation demands. This report shows a sector that is cautious, not complacent. It now needs the Government to learn lessons from cars and vans to make pragmatic decisions on the policy, infrastructure and financial support required to deliver the next and most difficult phase of the transition.” 

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