UK HGV registrations fell by 14.7% in the second quarter of 2026 as fleet operators slowed vehicle replacement programmes amid continued economic pressures, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A total of 8,687 new heavy goods vehicles were registered between April and June, taking first-half 2026 registrations to 18,158 units. This represents an 8.9% decline compared with the same period in 2025 and marks a significant slowdown following several years of strong fleet renewal.
Despite the overall market contraction, zero-emission truck registrations increased slightly during the second quarter. However, battery electric and other zero-emission models accounted for only 1.0% of all new HGV registrations, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing the industry’s transition away from diesel.
The latest figures suggest the UK HGV market is beginning to normalise after three years of exceptionally strong post-pandemic fleet replacement activity.
Demand weakened across both major HGV sectors during the second quarter. Articulated truck registrations fell by 12.4% to 3,832 units, while rigid truck registrations declined by 16.4% to 4,855 units.
Tractor units remained the largest individual vehicle category, accounting for more than two in every five new HGV registrations. However, registrations fell by 13.7% to 3,706 units.
The slowdown was also evident across several body types. Box van registrations recorded the sharpest decline, falling by 36.6%, while curtain-sided vehicles were down 26.4%.
There were some areas of growth, however. Tipper registrations increased by 12.7%, while refuse collection vehicles recorded the strongest growth, rising by 27%.
Against this weaker market backdrop, zero-emission HGV registrations rose modestly during the second quarter.
A total of 90 zero-emission trucks were registered during the three-month period, an increase of 4.7% compared with the same quarter in 2025. Their market share consequently increased from 0.8% to 1.0%.
The longer-term picture remains more challenging. During the first six months of 2026, zero-emission HGV registrations fell by 6.6% compared with the same period last year, while their market share remained unchanged at just 0.9%.
The SMMT noted that 2025 registrations benefited from funding through the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.
While manufacturers are continuing to expand the range of zero-emission HGVs available to operators, the SMMT says significant barriers to investment remain.
Higher upfront vehicle costs continue to make zero-emission trucks more difficult to justify financially, while delays in obtaining electricity grid connections and a shortage of suitable public charging infrastructure are adding further uncertainty for operators.
Government support through initiatives including the Plug-in Truck Grant, Depot Charging Scheme and ZEHID programme has helped stimulate early demand for zero-emission HGVs.
However, the SMMT is calling for further measures to accelerate investment, including faster grid connections, quicker planning approvals for depot charging infrastructure and a long-term national strategy for commercial vehicle charging.
The organisation believes these measures would give operators greater confidence to invest while recognising the different operational requirements across the HGV sector.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said the latest market slowdown was not unexpected following several years of exceptionally strong demand.
“After three bumper years of fleet renewal, the HGV market is now under pressure,” he said.
“The fact that zero emission truck uptake is outperforming the market is a crumb of comfort but at less than 1% of the market it is not a cause for celebration.”
Hawes added that government support has helped establish the emerging zero-emission HGV market but warned that operators require greater certainty if investment is to accelerate.
“Government support has helped incubate this emerging market, but if the sector is to decarbonise at pace, operators need confidence, and that means addressing key barriers to investment and a technology-neutral approach that recognises the diversity and complexity of HGV use.”
The latest UK HGV registration figures underline the difficult balancing act facing the commercial vehicle industry. Fleet operators are having to manage economic pressures and replacement cycles while simultaneously preparing for the transition to lower-emission transport.
Although manufacturers are continuing to introduce new zero-emission HGVs, widespread adoption will depend on reducing the financial and operational risks associated with the technology, improving charging and electricity infrastructure and maintaining a supportive and predictable policy environment.
