Government sets out roadmap for decarbonising HGVs

The UK government is seeking views on a future regulatory framework to support the transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

The consultation considers regulatory options to:

• reduce emissions from new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)
• support phasing out the sale of new non-zero emission HGVs weighing up to and including 26 tonnes by 2035
• phase out the sale of all new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040.

Introducing the consultation, Keir Mather, minister for aviation, maritime and decarbonisation, writes: “Heavy goods vehicles are, by their very nature, significantly more challenging to decarbonise than cars and vans. They drive further and require more power to deliver this range as a zero-emission technology. 

“While the public charging infrastructure for heavy- goods vehicles is growing fast, it's not sufficient today to meet the daily driving range of our long-haul vehicles. While the market for zero-emission heavy-goods vehicles is growing rapidly in our neighbouring countries – driven in part by stricter regulation – without action, the UK risks falling behind.”

The consultation seeks stakeholder views on the regulatory options and broad regulatory design of a future framework to reduce HGV emissions as well as some more detailed technical issues:  

• Part A provides a background on the current HGV market in the UK Part B considers potential regulatory options
• Part C considers scope and eligibility criteria for ‘zero emission’
• Part D seeks views options on the categorisation of vehicles, flexibilities, and penalties
• Part E seeks input on CO2 emissions reduction trajectories for a future regulatory framework.

Consultation on a New Heavy Goods Vehicle CO2 Emissions Regulatory Framework for the United Kingdom closes on 17 March 2026