A total of 8,687 new HGVs entered service between April and June, down 14.7% from the same period last year, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
The decline brought registrations during the first half of 2026 to 18,158 units, 8.9% fewer than during the opening six months of 2025.
Key takeaways
• New UK HGV registrations fell 14.7% in the second quarter, to 8,687 vehicles.
• First-half registrations declined 8.9%, with 18,158 trucks entering service.
• Only 90 zero-emission HGVs were registered during the quarter.
• Zero-emission trucks accounted for 1% of second-quarter registrations and 0.9% of the first-half market.
• Higher vehicle costs, limited charging provision and delays to grid connections continue to restrict uptake.
SMMT said the market was softening after three years of strong post-pandemic fleet renewal, with transport operators balancing the need to replace vehicles against wider business cost pressures.
Demand fell in both major vehicle categories. Registrations of articulated trucks declined by 12.4% to 3,832 units, while rigid truck registrations dropped by 16.4% to 4,855.
UK HGV registrations and zero-emission market figures. Source: SMMT.
Tractor units remained the largest individual segment, accounting for more than two in five newly registered HGVs. However, volumes were down 13.7% at 3,706 vehicles.
Box van registrations fell particularly sharply, by 36.6%, while demand for curtain-sided trucks declined by 26.4%.
Tippers and refuse vehicles moved against the wider trend, with registrations increasing by 12.7% and 27% respectively.
Second-quarter UK HGV registrations by vehicle type. Source: SMMT.
Just 90 zero-emission trucks registered
Registrations of zero-emission HGVs increased by 4.7% during the quarter, but this represented only 90 vehicles.
Their share of the new truck market consequently edged up from 0.8% to 1%. Across the first half of the year, however, zero-emission registrations fell by 6.6%, leaving their year-to-date market share unchanged at 0.9%.
SMMT said last year’s figures had benefited from vehicles supported through the government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme.
Manufacturers are bringing a broader range of battery-electric and other zero-emission trucks to market, but the association said uptake continued to be restricted by higher purchase prices, lengthy waits for grid connections and insufficient depot and public charging infrastructure.
Government support currently includes the Plug-in Truck Grant, the Depot Charging Scheme and the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme.
Scotland records steepest fall
Registrations declined across every UK nation during the second quarter.
Scotland recorded the sharpest fall, with registrations down 34.3% to 530 trucks. England remained by far the largest market, but registrations there fell by 13.1% to 7,657.
Northern Ireland recorded 289 registrations, down 12.2%, while the market in Wales contracted by 9.9% to 210 vehicles.
SMMT called for faster grid connections, quicker planning approvals for depot charging and a long-term national infrastructure strategy.
It also urged the government to follow a technology-neutral approach that reflects the different vehicle types, routes and operating requirements found across the HGV sector.
Regional registration figures and the measures sought by the industry. Source: SMMT.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, described the slight improvement in zero-emission market share as a “crumb of comfort”, but warned that uptake below 1% was no cause for celebration.
He said government support had helped establish the emerging zero-emission truck market, but that operators needed greater confidence before investing at scale.
