Road Haulage Association reveals decarbonisation challenges
A new survey by the Road Haulage Association has found that urgent government support is critical to HGV, coach and van operators going green.
The Net Zero Survey, which ran during March and April, revealed that 70% of HGV operators and 75% of coach operators still have no plans to introduce zero emission vehicles to their fleets.
Meanwhile, only two fifths of van fleets now include zero emission vehicles, or plan to introduce them in the next five years.
The main barriers to adopting electric vehicles are limited range (45%), high purchase costs (38%), and losing payload space due to heavy batteries (30%).
Urgent action
The RHA is now calling for an urgent action plan from the government to support the sector meet decarbonisation targets.
This includes financial incentives, a commitment to support low and no carbon fuel alternatives such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and greater investment in electric vehicle infrastructure.
RHA managing director Richard Smith said: “Our sector is the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet zero emission vehicle affordability, availability and performance remain major barriers to decarbonisation. With responses from businesses of all sizes, we’re calling for urgent support to address these challenges.
“Our message is clear: Without decisive action now from decision-makers to support businesses, questions will be asked from across industry about whether the 2035 and 2040 diesel phase-out deadlines are achievable.”
Smith added: “The RHA is committed to finding solutions and making the road to net zero achievable and affordable to the sector we represent. We’ll continue to outline our recommendations and work collaboratively, and our survey findings will guide future discussions with ministers.”
