£200 million investment announced to get more zero emission trucks on the road

The UK Government has announced a £200 million investment to decarbonise freight vehicles and roll out more zero emission trucks on UK roads.

Funds will go towards four innovative green projects to roll out up to 370 zero emission HGVs and help set road freight on the path towards net zero, driving innovation and creating new jobs.  

Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the investment will also deliver around 57 refuelling and electric charging sites, providing the crucial infrastructure to help the haulage sector decarbonise: heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) account for 20% of all UK transport CO2 emissions.

Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

“Freight and logistics are the beating heart of our economy and it is only right that we celebrate the sector so that it gets the recognition and support it deserves.

“From boosting zero emission tech across freight to attracting the future generation of talent to the industry, we are working hard to drive innovation, create jobs and grow the economy by building a brighter, more innovative future for one of our most crucial industries.”?

Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said:

“The UK is at the forefront of the global transition to net zero, and today marks another important milestone to decarbonise freight, one of the economy’s most vital industries.

“That’s why I’m pleased to reveal that we’re investing £200 million to roll out 370 zero emission trucks, and a further £2.4 million to pioneer green tech through the Freight Innovation Fund, as we work closely with the sector to create new jobs, grow the economy and reach net zero by 2050.”

The investment into zero emission trucks come as part of a week of action from to understand how the sector can continue to drive innovation and play a crucial role in creating new jobs, growing the economy and helping the UK get closer to net zero.