SMMT Urges Technology-Open Transition as ZEV Uptake Stalls

SMMT urges technology-open transition as ZEV uptake stalls

The UK government is being urged to ensure HGV operators can access every available technology to reduce carbon emissions, as industry leaders warn that a narrow approach risks slowing progress and increasing costs. Speaking at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2026 in Birmingham, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) called for a balanced, technology-neutral strategy to support the decarbonisation of roa…

HGV transition needs technology-neutral approach

The UK’s heavy goods vehicle industry is fully committed to decarbonising road freight, but the route to zero must be realistic, affordable and capable of delivering carbon reduction now. Manufacturers are already offering more than 40 different zero emission models – years ahead of what is still a fledgling market. It is not a failure of ambition but a reflection of the immensely complex challenges facing the HGV transition. Tough fleet margins…