Battery electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) could become a viable alternative for long-distance and heavy-duty applications by the mid-2030s, according to a new study.

The study, published by the Faraday Institution, provides an assessment of the UK’s current HGV market and its transition to zero-emission technologies.

The HGV sector is a significant part of the UK’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing substantially to the logistics industry. However, it is also a major source of emissions with 99% of the existing HGV fleet relying on diesel engines. With the average HGV travelling around 100,000 miles a year, the sector accounts for 16% of carbon emissions in the transport sector and 6% of the UK’s overall carbon emissions.

The HGV industry is transitioning towards using new fuels and technologies, with battery electric HGVs, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen-ICE (internal combustion engines) emerging as alternatives to traditional diesel engines.

The study, written by Stephen Gifford, chief economist at Faraday Institution, expects that battery electric vehicles will dominate the HGV sector from the mid-2030s. By 2050, these vehicles are projected to make up nearly 90% of new sales of commercial vehicles, with hydrogen playing niche roles in long-haul and heavy-duty segments. 

In Q2 2025, 0.9% of new HGVs registered in the UK were zero emission, rising to 9% for light goods vehicles. The study estimates that the total value of the market opportunity, encompassing both HGVs and buses, will be £2.4bn in 2035, with battery packs accounting for £790m of the total driven by the adoption of solid-state and sodium-ion batteries.

However, the study warns that widespread adoption will depend on overcoming current challenges in energy density, range and weight, along with the development of an extensive recharging infrastructure that encompasses both depot-based charging and ultrafast charging across the strategic road network.

Among other recommendations highlighted in the report was the need to invest in grid capacity upgrades and power supply resilience to ensure the charging network meets the energy demands of an increased electric HGV fleet. The report also suggests integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into charging infrastructure to reduce reliance on conventional power grids, and lower energy costs.

Gifford said: “Achieving a zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle fleet by 2050 is feasible but will necessitate extensive planning, coordination and investment in infrastructure, alongside robust government policy support. 

“With targeted efforts across industry and government, the transition to zero-emission HGVs has the potential to reduce dependency on imported fuels, create new jobs and position the UK as a leader in the electrification of freight.”