New HGV market falls but ZEV uptake quadruples

SMMT: Access to EV charging and refuelling infrastructure is a key challenge for fleet operators

New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations declined by -14.5% in the third quarter of 2025 with 9,272 new trucks entering service in the UK, according to the latest data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

The market’s fifth consecutive quarterly fall, with the market down -12.5% in 2025 to date, comes amid a challenging economic backdrop. However, the SMMT says it also reflects the natural ebb and flow of fleet renewal cycles following three years of sustained post-pandemic growth.

The contraction included reduced demand for tractor units, down by -2.2% to 3,966 units – but still representing two-fifths (42.8%) of the market – while the box van segment saw the largest volume decline, down -38.7% to 899 units. ?The conventionally lower volume tipper and curtain-sided segments also fell, by -10.1% and 38.1% to 712 and 606 units respectively. There was growth, however, with demand for new refuse disposal trucks up 9.5% to 578 units – albeit this represents the market’s smallest segment in the top five.

More positively, new zero-emission HGV uptake continues to rise, quadrupling by 341.2% to 225 units in Q3, a new record volume, and also achieving record 2.4% market share. The significant quarterly demand has driven year-to-date ZEV volumes to 408 units, up 145.8% compared with the same period in 2024 , which reflects Britain’s position as Europe’s second largest zero emission HGV market by volume.

Access to ZEV charging and refuelling infrastructure is a key challenge for depot-based operators given grid connection waits of up to 15 years, says the SMMT.

Industry welcomed government’s Depot Charging Scheme announced in July to help more operators fund the switch but timely infrastructure delivery requires prioritisation of HGV depots for grid connection rollout – benefitting from the fast-tracking processes already afforded data centres, wind farms and solar projects. 

With a clear route toward ZEV and infrastructure investment, operators who already face tight margins will be more confident to decarbonise their fleet which is fundamental to the country’s net zero ambitions, says the SMMT.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “New HGV uptake continues to normalise amid a tough economic backdrop so while another quarter of decline is unsurprising, returning to growth is important to keep businesses moving via the very latest, greenest models. Industry continues to invest significantly in zero emission rollout, and rising operator uptake is positive – but more substantial volume growth depends on infrastructure roll-out. Fast-tracking depot grid connections, in particular, is critical to help operators plan and invest – and for manufacturers to continue delivering the green growth Britain needs.”