Low Carbon Fuel is Key to Decarbonising HGVs

Responding to the government's consultation to phase out sales of new non-zero emission HGVs, Logistics UK Head of Decarbonisation Policy Lamech Solomon commented:

"The government needs to decide whether its primary focus is electrification or on achieving efficient decarbonisation through a broad range of technologies – using low carbon fuel (LCF) reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% so can have an instant impact in achieving the country's decarbonisation objectives, despite not being classified as 'zero emission'.

"The logistics sector recognises zero tailpipe emission HGVs are the long-term goal, but for an industry that operates on slim margins, the cost of electrifying fleets is currently considered prohibitive. The high cost of battery electric HGVs, insufficient public charging infrastructure in addition to costs and time associated with installing grid upgrades are blocking progress on decarbonisation. As part of Logistics UK's recent road freight decarbonisation1 report, research found that 80% of survey respondents are unable to install charging infrastructure with sufficient capacity at their operation sites.

"The government needs to adopt a truly technology-neutral approach to decarbonising HGVs and all viable pathways, including LCF and other solutions must be considered: LCF is complementary to battery electric vehicles and until zero tailpipe emission options are commercially viable for all use cases, LCF will be vital to the HGV fleet."

Logistics UK is one of the UK's biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk