The UK government has launched a significant financial boost for the haulage industry, aiming to accelerate the switch to electric vehicles. A new incentive scheme could see businesses saving as much as £120,000 on the price of a single electric truck.
Major Funding Injection for Green Freight
Under plans announced by the Labour Party, a total of £318 million is being invested to support the freight sector's transition to greener transport. This includes an immediate extension and increase to the Plug-in Truck Grant, with an extra £18 million pledged to keep it running until at least March 2026.
Furthermore, the government is backing zero-emission truck sales with an additional £120 million through the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme. This combined funding creates one of the most substantial electric vehicle support packages for businesses in recent years.
Substantial Savings Across All Truck Sizes
The enhanced grants offer tiered savings, making electric trucks a more viable option for companies of all sizes. The level of financial support depends directly on the vehicle's weight category.
- Smaller trucks (4.25 to 12 tonnes): Savings of up to £20,000.
- Mid-sized trucks (12 to 18 tonnes): Savings of up to £60,000.
- Larger trucks (18 to 26 tonnes): Savings of up to £80,000.
- The largest lorries (26 tonnes and above): Maximum savings of up to £120,000.
This structured approach ensures that operators replacing their heaviest, most polluting vehicles receive the greatest financial incentive to go green.
Government Backs British Business and Green Growth
Keir Mather, the Labour MP for Selby and Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, emphasised the dual benefits of the scheme. He stated that the government is "backing British businesses to go green by making electric lorries more affordable."
Mather added that the initiative helps hauliers make the crucial switch to zero-emission vehicles while simultaneously "turbocharging growth, investment and jobs in the sector." He concluded that "our proposals will provide the certainty the industry has been calling for so that Britain becomes the best place for green investment."
This landmark investment signals a firm commitment to decarbonising the UK's transport and logistics network. By dramatically reducing the upfront cost barrier, the government hopes to spur widespread adoption of electric trucks, contributing to national carbon reduction targets and improving air quality across the country.
