UK HGV registrations drop 14.7% in Q2 2026 as zero emission share edges to 1.0%
By Eve
New heavy goods vehicle registrations in the UK fell 14.7% to 8,687 units in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Zero emission HGV uptake rose 4.7% in the quarter, lifting market share from 0.8% to 1.0% year on year, though first half volumes dropped 6.6% compared with 2025 when ZEHID funding supported adoption. The SMMT cited higher vehicle costs, long grid connection waits and limited public charging as barriers, despite support from the Plug In Truck Grant, Depot Charging Scheme and ZEHID programme.
Why it matters: The modest rise in zero emission share to 1.0% underscores the infrastructure and grid connection bottlenecks that CPOs and depot planners must address to unlock fleet electrification at scale. Faster depot approvals and a national charging strategy remain critical to building operator confidence and accelerating procurement of electric HGVs.