Cost of vehicles among ‘biggest obstacles’ to HGV decarbonisation

More than half (53%) of HGV fleet managers intending to decarbonise their fleets are concerned about the availability of alternative fuels like renewable diesel, according to new research from BP.

With fleets under increasing pressure from customers, company investors and governments to reduce the carbon emissions of their HGV fleets, BP commissioned the study to explore how fleet managers are approaching this radical change to their operations.

The research revealed that 82% of fleet managers surveyed think decarbonisation is a positive move for their business.

More than half (53%) of HGV fleet managers polled say that they have already started to decarbonise their fleet in some way, indicating that the transition is well underway already.

As well as pressure from the government, the biggest motivators for truck fleets to decarbonise include improving brand image (72%), reducing the impact of an HGV fleet on the environment (67%) and future proofing their business (58%).

However, as well as concerns over the availability of alternative fuels, 42% of respondents also said that they were concerned about recharging electric trucks during long-haul journeys.

Adrian Brabazon, head of UK Fleet Solutions at BP, said: “It’s encouraging to see that many HGV fleet managers are feeling positive about decarbonisation.

“At BP with our integrated approach and strong presence in traditional fuels, EV charging, and bioenergy, we are planning to develop a network of dedicated hubs for HGVs that will offer a selection of fuelling options, as well as better facilities for drivers.”

Earlier this year BP Pulse announced its plans for Europe’s first public charging corridor to support electric trucks at key sites along Germany’s busiest road freight routes.

The company has also made investments in alternative ‘transition’ fuels to support truck decarbonisation, including renewable diesel and bio-LNG.

In 2021, BP acquired a 29% stake in Gasrec, which today refuels around 40% of the UK’s gas-powered heavy-duty trucks.

This research marks the launch of Keep on Trucking, a new campaign to support HGV fleets with decarbonisation, part of bp’s overall plans to help support the electrification of fleets.