The UK Government is making electric trucks more affordable to help carriers switch, while encouraging growth and investment in electric trucks.
An extra £18 million to increase the plug-in truck grant until March 2026 means hauliers and fleet operators can save up to £120,000 on new electric trucks.
The move is part of a £318m green freight plan to support UK businesses by reducing the initial cost of new trucks and helping reduce running costs.
This is all part of the government’s plan to cut costs, boost growth and create jobs while reducing emissions as the sector moves to future technologies.
How much can operators save on electric truck costs?
Similar to the government’s electric vehicle grant, which has helped more than 45,000 drivers save up to £3,750 when switching, the plug-in truck grant allows truckers to save up to £120,000 when buying a new electric truck.
The new grant level means:
Light-duty trucks (4.25-12 tons) save up to 20,000 pounds Medium-duty trucks (12-18 tons) save up to 60,000 pounds Heavy-duty trucks (18-26 tons) save up to 80,000 pounds Largest trucks (26 tons and above) save up to 120,000 pounds
Supporting the UK’s climate ambitions
The funding will boost sales of electric trucks to support the UK’s climate change obligations.
It also comes as the Government has already invested more than £120 million as part of the Zero Emission Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) program to deploy more zero-emission trucks on UK roads.
Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, said: “We are helping British businesses go green by making electric trucks more affordable and helping carriers switch, while driving growth, investment and jobs in the sector.”
“Our proposals will provide the certainty that industry has been asking for to ensure the UK is the best place for green investment.”
Companies are introducing more electric trucks
With support from the fund, companies such as Amazon and Marks & Spencer are already deploying more electric trucks on UK roads, and ZEHID plans to deploy nearly 300 zero-emission HGVs by March 2026.
While day-to-day running costs may already be lower for electric trucks compared to diesel vehicles, the initial cost of the vehicle is typically higher.
Increased plug-in truck subsidies will help businesses access everyday savings and reduce costs and emissions.
John Bounfree, UK Country Manager at Amazon UK, explained: “The UK is now home to the most electric heavy goods trucks in Amazon’s global transport network, with the first eHGVs already on the road in a record-breaking order.”
Phasing out high-emission trucks
Alongside the funding increase, the Government will also launch a consultation on a regulatory roadmap to phase out the sale of new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040, giving the industry the certainty it needs to invest and plan for the future.
The Government will consult closely with industry to ensure that the path to net zero is good for business and supports increased jobs, growth and investment.
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