The uptake for new zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) fell by 16.5% year-on-year, representing less than one percent (0.9%) of the current overall market.
The new data, from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), reveals that new HGV registrations also declined by 2.7% in Q1 of 2026, falling by with only 9,471 new trucks joining UK roads. According to the SMMT, the stalling of growth could be caused by the current challenging economic conditions.
This decline follows the minor 1.7% rise in Q4 of 2025, as fleet renewal slowly returns to normal following the three years of constant post-pandemic demand.
The data from SMMT reflects a mixed picture for the overall market, with demand for box vans down by a fifth (20.1%) from last year, and registrations of curtain sided trucks down by almost a third (31.6%). There was growth, however, in the tractor division, with deliveries up 9.1%, representing more than half (59.2%) of all new HGVs registered. Demand for tippers and refuse disposal vehicles also grew by 2.1% and 47.1% respectively.
The SMMT says that, despite a record year for ZEV uptake in 2025, uptake must advance significantly if the sector is to reach their decarbonisation deadlines. They claim that tight business margins and limited access to charging infrastructure are currently restricting operator demand.