The UK sees a substantial increase in commercial vehicles on its roads, as reported by SMMT, reflecting shifts towards greener transport options.
- A notable 625,873 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 5,012,632 vans are now operational across the UK, marking increases of 1.7% and 2.6%, respectively.
- Plug-in vehicle growth is significant, with zero-emission vehicles constituting one in 40 of all vehicles on UK roads, highlighting a move towards sustainability.
- Despite rising electric vehicle (EV) numbers, infrastructure development lags, creating a mismatch between demand and available charging facilities.
- SMMT stresses the need for immediate action in infrastructure investment to support this green transition and meet the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
In a recent report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), it was revealed that the UK is witnessing a substantial rise in the number of commercial vehicles on its roads. This growth is part of a broader movement towards greener transportation solutions, with significant implications for the future of the automotive industry.
The report notes an increase of 625,873 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 5,012,632 vans in use across Britain. These numbers represent a 1.7% rise in HGVs and a 2.6% boost in van numbers compared to previous counts. Such growth underscores the increasing demand for commercial vehicles amidst a shifting economic landscape.
A particularly significant trend is the surge in plug-in vehicle ownership, with zero-emission vehicles now accounting for one in every 40 vehicles on UK roads. This includes a notable rise in electric vans, which increased by 43.5% from the previous year, and a dramatic 146.4% rise in electric HGVs, despite these making up just 0.4% of the total HGV fleet.
However, this promising surge in electric vehicles (EVs) is tempered by inadequate infrastructure support. Currently, there is only one standard public charge point for every 35 plug-in vehicles on the road, a ratio that remains almost unchanged from the previous year. The SMMT highlights the critical need for expansive infrastructure improvements to support the rising demand for EVs.
In response to these findings, the SMMT has called for urgent action, emphasizing the importance of nationwide investment in charging infrastructure. This call to action is part of a broader strategy to align with the UK’s net-zero ambitions by ensuring reliable, convenient, and accessible charging options for all vehicle types.
The UK must prioritise infrastructure enhancements to fully support its transition to sustainable transport.
