Boost for British business as Government slashes cost of electric lorries by up to £120,000

Hauliers and fleet operators will access discounts of up to £120,000 on new electric trucks thanks to an additional £18 million announced by the Government today (Tuesday 6 January) to increase the Plug-in Truck Grant until March 2026. 

The move is part of a £318 million plan for green freight which is backing British businesses by slashing upfront costs on new lorries and helping businesses to access the lower running costs. This is all part of the Government’s plan to reduce emissions whilst cutting costs, sparking growth and creating jobs as the sector moves to the technology of the future. 

Similar to the Government’s Electric Car Grant, which has saved over 45,000 drivers up to £3750 when making the switch, the Plug-in-Truck Grant enables lorry operators to access savings of up to £120,000 when buying a new electric truck. 

New grant levels mean: 

• Smaller trucks (4.25t-12t) could save up to £20,000  

• Mid-sized trucks (12t-18t) up to £60,000 

• Larger trucks (18t-26t) up to £80,000 

• And the largest lorries (26t+) up to £120,000 

Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, Keir Mather said:  

"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. 

“Our proposals will provide the certainty the industry has been calling for so that Britain becomes the best place for green investment.” 

The funding is set to increase zero emission truck sales to support delivery of UK’s climate obligations and comes as the Government has already invested over £120m as part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme to rollout of more zero emission lorries on UK roads.  

Backed by this fund, companies like Amazon and Marks & Spencer have already rolled out more electric delivery trucks on UK roads, with ZEHID rolling out nearly 300 zero emission HGVs by March 2026. 

Day-to-day running costs can already be lower for electric lorries compared to their diesel counterparts, but upfront vehicle costs are typically higher. Today’s increase to the Plug-in Truck Grant will help businesses access those daily savings, cutting costs for business as well as emissions. 

John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager,  Amazon UK:

"Amazon welcomes the government's continued commitment to supporting the electrification of commercial fleets. 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. We're investing to help the UK decarbonise and meet our goal of being net-zero carbon by 2040. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure the growth of more sustainable logistics."

Alongside increased funding, the Government will also launch a consultation on the regulatory roadmap to phase out sales of new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040, giving industry the certainty it needs to invest and plan for the future. 

By consulting closely with industry, the Government will ensure the road to net zero is one that works for businesses and supports jobs, growth and increased investment.