Low carbon fuel is key to decarbonising HGVs

Logistics UK’s head of decarbonisation policy Lamech Solomon responds to the government’s consultation to phase out sales of new non-zero emission HGVs

The government needs to decide whether its primary focus is electrification or on achieving efficient decarbonisation through a broad range of technologies – using low carbon fuel (LCF) reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% so can have an instant impact in achieving the country’s decarbonisation objectives, despite not being classified as ‘zero emission’.

The logistics sector recognises zero tailpipe emission HGVs are the long-term goal, but for an industry that operates on slim margins, the cost of electrifying fleets is currently considered prohibitive. The high cost of battery electric HGVs, insufficient public charging infrastructure in addition to costs and time associated with installing grid upgrades are blocking progress on decarbonisation.

As part of Logistics UK’s recent road freight decarbonisation report, research found that 80% of survey respondents are unable to install charging infrastructure with sufficient capacity at their operation sites.

The government needs to adopt a truly technology-neutral approach to decarbonising HGVs and all viable pathways, including LCF and other solutions must be considered: LCF is complementary to battery electric vehicles and until zero tailpipe emission options are commercially viable for all use cases, LCF will be vital to the HGV fleet.

Lamech Solomon is Logistics UK’s head of decarbonisation policy