Wednesday 19 April 2023

‘Not one HGV electric charger in all of Britain’

‘Not one HGV electric charger in all of Britain’

There is not one public electric charger or hydrogen refuelling station for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in all the UK.

That’s according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), claiming this will make the 2040 goal to end the sale of new fossil-powered HGVs unachievable.

HGVs generated more than 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions in 2021, representing 20% of the UK’s transport emissions.

The SMMT argues that with no charging infrastructure, companies and operators will not have the confidence to decarbonise fleets and this will not make the 2040 goal a possibility.

It also points to the fact that only one in 600 trucks on UK roads are currently zero-emission, which puts the industry far behind schedule.

Due to their size, electric lorries will need chargers that are more powerful and will take more time to fully charge – which is why individual stations will be a necessity, the lobby group stresses.

Hydrogen is being considered more feasible for longer trips but there is currently no supply line to allow the trucks to hit the roads.

Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, said: “With just over a decade until the UK begins to phase out new diesel trucks, we cannot afford to delay a strategy that will deliver the world’s first decarbonised HGV sector.

“Manufacturers are investing billions in electric and hydrogen vehicles that will deliver massive carbon savings and it is vital that operators making long-term decisions today have full confidence in these technologies.”

The Department for Transport has been contacted for a response.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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