The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has pledged an additional £18 million in funding for the Plug-in Truck Grant, which aims to help businesses cut the upfront cost of lorries.
Until March 2026, hauliers and fleet operators will be able to access discounts of up to £120,000 on new electric trucks.
Companies could save up to £20,000 on smaller electric trucks weighing between 4.25 and 12 tonnes (t), up to £60,000 on mid-sized trucks (12-18t), up to £80,000 on larger trucks (18-26t), or up to £120,000 on lorries of 26t or above.
“We’re backing British businesses to go green by making electric lorries more affordable, helping hauliers to make the switch whilst turbocharging growth, investment and jobs in the sector,” said Keir Mather, minister for aviation, maritime and decarbonisation.
The move forms part of the government’s wider £318m plan for green freight.
“The funding is set to increase zero emission truck sales to support delivery of the UK’s climate obligations and comes as the government has already invested over £120 million as part of the zero emission heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and infrastructure demonstrator (ZEHID) programme to roll out more zero emission lorries on UK roads,” the minister added.
Backed by this fund, companies including Amazon and Marks & Spencer have already rolled out more electric lorries on UK roads.
“Amazon welcomes the government’s continued commitment to supporting the electrification of commercial fleets,” stated John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon UK.
“The UK will be home to the largest number of electric heavy goods trucks in Amazon’s global transportation network and the first of our record-breaking order of eHGVs are already on the road.”
The announcement coincides with the launch of a government consultation on the regulatory roadmap to phase out sales of new non-zero-emission HGVs by 2040. The consultation will run until 17 March 2026.
