The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has warned that delays in grid connection processes are blocking the electrification of the UK’s commercial vehicle (CV) fleet.

The industry body said these delays could prevent operators from making electric vehicle (EV) investments, even after fossil fuel vehicle sales end.

There are around 5.1 million vans and 626,000 trucks on UK roads. These vehicles transport more than 80% of domestic freight and contribute £13.5bn ($18.1bn) annually to the UK economy.

Although they comprise 14% of the total vehicle fleet, CVs are responsible for over a third of road transport carbon emissions and 12% of the UK’s carbon footprint.

Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in this sector is crucial for achieving net zero. A full switch to ZEVs could save more CO₂ than the total emissions of Sweden.

However, the SMMT argues that the necessary infrastructure is lacking to support this transition.

While there is significant investment in ZEV van and truck models, uptake remains slow. Electric vans account for just 8.3% of registrations, far behind the 16% target for 2025.

The HGV sector faces an even steeper challenge, with ZEVs making up only 0.5% of registrations.

Key to accelerating the transition is access to affordable energy, depot charging, and infrastructure for larger vehicles.

The main issue, however, is securing grid connections, with some operators facing delays of up to 15 years.

This delay is seen as too long to meet the 2035 and 2040 deadlines for ZEV-only vehicle sales.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “We cannot deliver net zero and improve air quality without decarbonising commercial vehicles. But if operators have to wait up to 15 years just to be able to plug them into their depots, there is no case for investment.

“Prioritising grid connections, alongside reform to planning and action on energy costs, would reduce barriers to adoption, ensuring commercial vehicles continue to carry the loads that keep our economy on the move whilst doing the heavy lifting the nation needs to reach net zero.”

Government initiatives such as grants for electric vans and trucks and the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme are helping. However, the SMMT warns that administrative delays are holding back progress.

The government recently fast-tracked grid connections for data centres, wind farms, and solar power projects.

The SMMT is calling for similar priority to be given to transport depots to ensure the UK meets its net-zero and air quality goals.

The organisation said that without these changes, the transition to ZEVs could be delayed, threatening the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.