Light and shade in UK CV market: trucks dip as electric buses gain ground

Zero-emission commercial vehicle adoption in the UK recorded diverging trends in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). While electric truck uptake declined and remained marginal, the bus segment continued to increase its share of zero-emission vehicles despite an overall market contraction.

A total of 81 zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) were registered in Q1, down 16.5% year-on-year and representing just 0.9% of the overall truck market. The decline follows a record year for uptake in 2025 but highlights the ongoing challenges in scaling battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

Electric HGV uptake held back by cost and infrastructure

Despite more than 20 zero-emission HGV models now available, demand remains limited. The SMMT attributes this to a combination of high upfront vehicle costs, tight operator margins and insufficient charging infrastructure. Depot electrification requirements, including significant grid upgrades, are a key barrier, with connection delays for large-scale projects potentially extending to 15 years.

Government support mechanisms such as the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme and the Plug-in Truck Grant have contributed to early deployment. Updated initiatives, including the Depot Charging Scheme, are expected to support further uptake. However, the pace of adoption remains below the levels required to meet decarbonisation targets.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, said: “A tough economic environment continues to hamper new HGV demand and a return to growth is needed to keep Britain moving while reducing emissions. A weak start to the year for ZEV uptake is particularly concerning, despite impressive model rollout, reflecting the substantial cost and infrastructure challenges facing operators.”

Zero-emission buses increase market share

In contrast, the zero-emission bus segment recorded a higher level of market penetration. A total of 588 zero-emission buses were registered in Q1 2026, accounting for 37.3% of all new buses and representing a record market share.

Although volumes declined by 20.4% year-on-year, the segment outperformed the wider bus market, which fell by 37.7% to 1,578 units. The data indicates continued momentum in the electrification of public transport fleets, supported by previous funding programmes such as the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme. We previously took a look at the scheme and its success.

Regional trends showed declining registrations across all UK nations, reflecting a slowdown following strong uptake in 2025. Nevertheless, the proportion of zero-emission vehicles within new registrations continued to increase, highlighting the structural shift towards electric and hydrogen buses.

Infrastructure and policy remain critical

The SMMT emphasised that infrastructure development and policy support remain critical to accelerating the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles. Both truck and bus operators face challenges related to depot electrification, grid capacity and associated costs.

The UK government’s long-term pipeline for zero-emission bus procurement, which anticipates more than 23,000 deliveries by 2035, is expected to support continued growth. However, further measures are required to ensure that all regions, including rural areas, can transition effectively.

Mike Hawes said: “After the bus market’s boost over the past two years, a decline was always inevitable as the market stabilises. With zero-emission buses taking such a high market share, however, all signs point to a market that is eagerly transitioning.”

The latest figures underline the uneven pace of electrification across commercial vehicle segments, with buses advancing more rapidly than heavy-duty trucks. Continued investment in charging infrastructure and faster grid connections are identified as key enablers for broader adoption.

smmt.co.uk (HGVs), smmt.co.uk (buses)