Hauliers outline HGV and coach operators’ infrastructure needs to meet net zero ambitions

The recommendation follows an extensive consultation with RHA members and the wider industry ahead of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) call for evidence on the infrastructure needs of the industry, which closes today (December 14).

The RHA made seven recommendations to DfT on supporting commercial vehicle sector decarbonisation following the Government’s £200m investment in the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme:

• An annual consultation with industry to continue building the evidence base needed
• A nationwide audit of where all HGV depots are regardless of vehicle numbers are located to inform charging needs
• Government should extend Project Rapid to provide HGV/coach recharging facilities at motorway service areas and other public locations
• Establishment of an “advisory group” consisting of lead industry stakeholders to steer the direction of ZEHID
• Vehicle trials beyond ZEHID should be encouraged to build knowledge and understanding
• A “roadmap” is developed by the Government to give clarity and certainty on how delivery against the HGV phase-out dates of 2035 and 2040 will be achieved
• Government support for the use of low-carbon fuels like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) or compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transitional fuel. This is so all HGV and coach operators can start decarbonising now with confidence whilst zero emission infrastructure is put in place.

Chris Ashley, RHA Policy Lead – Environment and Vehicles, said: “We welcome the DfT’s call for evidence to increase understanding of our industry’s practical needs and challenges as we transition to net zero

"We’d like to thank our haulage and coach members for their input in helping us articulate a broad, diverse and detailed industry picture to take to government to support infrastructure planning.

“We must be clear that these are initial findings and that the picture will evolve in the years ahead; ongoing collaboration is key to ensure our industry has the right support on its decarbonisation journey taking into account its diverse needs.

“Businesses will need clarity and certainty to be able to invest in the right technology to operate viably and support economic growth. This will include whether to switch to battery or hydrogen.

“We will continue to engage with our industry and stakeholders on developing and supporting infrastructure solutions through our Net Zero Forum.”

In November 2021, the Government confirmed its intention to end the sale of new non-zero emission HGVs weighing under or equal to 26 tonnes by 2035, with all new HGVs sold to be fully zero emission at the exhaust by 2040.

The Government’s Future of Freight: a long-term plan confirmed the Government would develop a plan for zero emission HGV infrastructure rollout and this call for evidence is part of the work being completed to deliver it. The information gathered will be used to inform the development of a zero emission HGV and coach infrastructure strategy, which is due to be published early 2024.