New registrations of heavy goods vehicles in the UK fell slightly in the first quarter of 2026, with 9,471 trucks added to the roads, marking a 2.7% decline compared to the same period last year. The drop follows a period of recovery driven by post-pandemic demand, but growth is now being limited by wider economic pressures.

The market showed mixed performance across different vehicle types. While demand for box vans and curtain-sided trucks dropped sharply, registrations of tractor units increased, now making up the majority of new vehicles. Tippers and refuse collection vehicles also saw growth, indicating continued demand in specific sectors despite the overall downturn.

More concerning is the slowdown in zero-emission HGV adoption. Registrations fell by over 16%, accounting for less than 1% of the total market. Although manufacturers continue to expand their range of electric and low-emission models, uptake remains limited due to high costs and insufficient charging infrastructure.

Industry experts highlight ongoing challenges such as expensive depot upgrades and lengthy delays in securing grid connections. While government grants and incentives are helping, further action is needed to support the transition. Accelerating infrastructure development and providing long-term policy clarity will be crucial to boosting confidence and reducing emissions across the sector.