UK HGV Decarbonisation in 2026: Grants, Tax Reliefs and Infrastructure Support Explained
Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) account for roughly 20% of UK domestic transport CO₂ emissions, despite representing a much smaller share of total vehicle miles travelled.
In response, the UK government has introduced a multi-layered incentive framework designed to:
- Reduce the upfront cost of zero-emission HGVs
- Accelerate charging and hydrogen infrastructure deployment
- Improve total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Prepare operators for the 2035 and 2040 phase-out mandates
Below is a structured overview of the key support mechanisms available in early 2026.
1. Plug-in Truck Grant (PiTG): Up to £120,000 Off Purchase Price
The Plug-in Truck Grant (PiTG) remains the primary mechanism for reducing the capital cost of zero-emission HGVs.
Re-energised in January 2026 with an additional £18 million in funding, the scheme forms part of a wider £318 million green freight investment programme.
Grant Levels (2026)
|
Vehicle Category |
Great Britain |
Northern Ireland |
Key Criteria |
|
4.25t–12t |
£20,000 |
£16,000 |
0g CO₂/km; 96km range |
|
12t–18t |
£60,000 |
£25,000 |
0g CO₂/km; 96km range |
|
18t–26t |
£80,000 |
£25,000 |
0g CO₂/km; 96km range |
|
Over 26t |
£120,000 |
£25,000 |
0g CO₂/km; 96km range |
The grant is applied as a point-of-sale discount through the dealer or manufacturer.
Vehicles must meet strict technical standards, including zero tailpipe emissions, minimum range requirements, and battery durability thresholds.
2. ZEHID: Proving Zero-Emission Freight at Scale
The £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme is the UK’s flagship freight decarbonisation initiative.
It aims to deploy approximately 350–370 battery-electric and hydrogen HGVs, with real-world trials running through 2031.
Key projects include Project Electric Freightway (GRIDSERVE), eFREIGHT 2030 (Voltempo), ZenFreight (Dynamon) and HyHAUL.
3. Depot and Workplace Charging Support
Infrastructure remains a prerequisite for fleet transition.
Depot Charging Scheme
Covers up to 75% of installation costs, up to £1 million per applicant.
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
Covers 75% of socket installation costs (up to £350 per socket).
EV Infrastructure Grant (SMEs)
Provides up to £15,000 per building for future-proofed charging infrastructure.
4. Capital Allowances and Tax Relief
The fiscal framework strongly favours zero-emission fleet investment.
Businesses can benefit from:
- 100% First Year Allowances (FYA) for new zero-emission HGVs
- 100% FYA for EV chargepoints
- 40% FYA for certain leased assets (introduced January 2026)
The Writing Down Allowance for standard diesel HGVs has reduced to 14%, widening the fiscal advantage for zero-emission vehicles.
5. HGV Levy, Fuel Duty and Operational Costs
Zero-emission HGVs qualify for the most favourable levy rates.
The temporary 5p fuel duty cut begins reversing from September 2026. Natural road fuel gas (including biomethane) remains taxed at significantly lower rates than diesel.
6. Urban Access and Clean Air Zones
Zero-emission HGVs benefit materially in London and other Clean Air Zones.
From January 2026, electric HGVs qualify for a 50% Congestion Charge discount and are exempt from ULEZ charges.
Across major English cities, non-compliant HGVs face £50–£100 daily CAZ charges.
7. Hydrogen and Biomethane Transition Pathways
For heavier duty cycles, hydrogen and biomethane provide additional decarbonisation routes.
The government has committed over £500 million to hydrogen infrastructure development.
Biomethane remains supported through the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and the Green Gas Support Scheme.
8. Regulatory Outlook: 2035 and 2040 Phase-Out
The UK will phase out the sale of new non-zero-emission HGVs by 2040, with a 2035 target for vehicles up to 26 tonnes.
Distance-based charging for EVs is scheduled for April 2028, alongside reforms to Vehicle Excise Duty.
Sources
- GOV.UK – Plug-in van and truck grant guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/plug-in-van-and-truck-grants - Department for Transport – Electric lorry funding announcement (Jan 2026):
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/boost-for-british-business-as-government-slashes-cost-of-electric-lorries-by-up-to-120000 - RHA – Plug-in Truck Grant funding update:
https://www.rha.uk.net/news/news/detail/plug-in-truck-grant-additional-funding-available - Pelican Yutong – Electric truck grant overview:
https://pelicanyutongtrucks.co.uk/the-grants-making-electric-trucks-more-affordable/ - Innovate UK Business Connect – ZEHID overview:
https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/programme/zero-emission-heavy-goods-vehicles-and-infrastructure/ - Global Drive to Zero – ZEHID case study:
https://globaldrivetozero.org/casestudy/dfds-and-the-zero-emission-hgv-infrastructure-demonstrator/ - Hydrogen Technology Expo – Hydrogen freight corridor:
https://www.hydrogentechnologyexpo.com/industry-news/30m-investment-allows-uk-consortium-to-carry-out-plan-for-having-30-hydrogen-trucks-on-uk-roads-by-2026 - Transport Scotland – HGV Market Readiness Fund:
https://www.transport.gov.scot/our-approach/environment/heavy-goods-vehicle-market-readiness-fund/ - Rolec – £30m Depot Charging Scheme overview:
https://www.rolecserv.com/News/uk-government-backs-fleets-with-%C2%A330m-ev-charging-infrastructure-fund - GOV.UK – Workplace Charging Scheme guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants - GOV.UK – EV Infrastructure Grant for staff and fleets:
https://www.gov.uk/electric-vehicle-infrastructure-grant-for-staff-and-fleets - HMRC – First Year Allowances extension:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/first-year-allowances-for-zero-emission-cars-and-electric-vehicle-chargepoints - HM Treasury – Fuel duty and capital allowance updates:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-duty-rates-and-allowances - Apex Accountants – EV tax relief overview 2026:
https://apexaccountants.tax/everything-you-need-to-know-about-tax-reliefs-on-evs-in-the-uk/ - GOV.UK – HGV Levy service:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/use-the-hgv-levy-service - HM Treasury – Fuel duty extension announcement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/extension-to-the-cut-in-fuel-duty-rates - Office for Budget Responsibility – Fuel duty forecast:
https://obr.uk/forecasts-in-depth/tax-by-tax-spend-by-spend/fuel-duties/ - Trans.info – Fuel duty budget analysis:
https://trans.info/en/fuel-duty-autumn-budget-442283 - Transport for London – Congestion Charge changes:
https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2025/changes-confirmed-to-the-congestion-charge - RAC – Birmingham Clean Air Zone guide:
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/the-birmingham-clean-air-zone-with-you-need-to-know/ - GOV.UK – Clean Air Zone guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-a-clean-air-zone - Webfleet – UK Low Emission Zone guide:
https://www.webfleet.com/en_gb/webfleet/blog/uk-low-emission-zones/ - Department for Energy Security & Net Zero – Hydrogen market update:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hydrogen-update-to-the-market-2025 - Driving Hydrogen – Aegis Energy investment:
https://drivinghydrogen.c
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources as of early 2026 and is intended for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, completeness and relevance, policies, grant schemes, tax treatments and regulatory frameworks are subject to change and may vary depending on specific circumstances.
Fleet operators and businesses should not rely solely on this content when making financial or procurement decisions.