United Kingdom Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030

The United Kingdom’s medium and heavy-duty truck market has undergone structural shifts since Brexit, driven by clean air legislation, electrification goals, and post-pandemic freight adaptations. Historically reliant on diesel-powered vehicles built to EU standards, the market has shifted with the UK’s independent regulatory pathway post-2020. The introduction of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, confirmed in 2023, requires that 70% of new heavy-duty truck sales below 26 tonnes and 40% above 26 tonnes be zero-emission by 2035, escalating to 100% by 2040. This has triggered new model launches such as the Volvo FM Electric, DAF LF Electric, and Mercedes-Benz eActros, as well as adoption of hydrogen-powered trial fleets supported by Innovate UK. Key technological advancements include over-the-air diagnostics, energy recovery braking, advanced lane assist, and integrated route optimization systems, especially in city logistics and depot-based operations. Compliance is governed by regulations under the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), requiring whole vehicle type approval, annual MOT inspections, and compliance with Euro VI or equivalent UK emission norms. Government policies, including grants under the Plug-in Truck Grant scheme (offering up to £25,000 for eligible electric HGVs), zero road tax (VED) for electric trucks, and capital allowance incentives, have created a competitive advantage for ZEV manufacturers and early adopters. Rules differ from the EU, with the UK prioritizing national air quality zones (e.g., London's ULEZ) and independent safety rating systems such as Direct Vision Standard (DVS). Import/export friction post-Brexit has reshaped cross-border truck sales, parts availability, and aftermarket support. These evolving policies and incentives actively influence manufacturing decisions, fleet replacement cycles, and technological investments across the British commercial vehicle industry.

According to the research report ""United Kingdom Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the United Kingdom Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 11.47 Billion by 2030. This market is driven by the UK's push for net-zero emissions, regulatory alignment post-Brexit, and evolving demand in logistics, e-commerce, and urban services, which together reshape the country’s medium and heavy-duty truck operations. The shift to zero-emission trucks is accelerating production changes, with UK-based manufacturers like Leyland Trucks (DAF) and the UK arms of Volvo and Mercedes-Benz reconfiguring facilities to support battery-electric and alternative fuel platforms. Key raw materials, including high-strength steel, battery cells, aluminum, and electronic control units, are mostly imported from Europe and Asia, while final assembly takes place in regions like Lancashire, Warwickshire, and Sunderland. The supply chain is adapting to border protocols post-Brexit, with added documentation and warehousing requirements for inbound components. Distribution is handled through national dealership networks and fleet leasing services that cater to diverse industries especially logistics firms operating from Midlands hubs, port-related distribution in Southampton and Felixstowe, and construction suppliers near London and Manchester. Sales have shifted heavily to online platforms and direct B2B procurement with integrated telematics and fleet service packages. Demand for electric medium-duty trucks is rising in ultra-low emission zones, while heavy-duty units serve intercity logistics, agriculture in East Anglia, and infrastructure projects across Scotland and Wales. The market also supports sectors like retail, postal services, municipal waste, and fuel distribution. Trends show increased interest in hydrogen fuel-cell trucks for long-haul and refrigerated transport, supported by pilot infrastructure in Teesside and the Midlands.

Medium-duty trucks are commonly used in urban distribution, parcel logistics, retail inventory movement, and municipal services due to their flexible maneuverability and payload capacity, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham where low-emission zones and congestion charges influence vehicle choice. These trucks have seen a rise in electrified and hybrid models since 2021, especially for last-mile delivery and e-commerce growth. On the other hand, heavy-duty trucks dominate long-haul freight, bulk commodity transport, and industrial logistics, especially along major corridors like the M6, M25, and freight routes connecting to the Port of Felixstowe and Dover. This segment includes tractor-trailers and multi-axle rigid trucks widely used by national logistics operators, agricultural suppliers, and construction firms. Companies like DAF, Scania, and Mercedes-Benz dominate both categories, but heavy trucks face stricter EU-derived compliance rules and higher operational costs, especially under UK's Euro VI emissions standards and DVSA enforcement. Compliance includes tachograph usage, regular roadworthiness checks, and Driver CPC requirements. While electric adoption remains slow in the heavy-duty segment due to cost and infrastructure gaps, hydrogen-powered trials are underway in fleet operations. Government-backed schemes such as the Plug-in Truck Grant and zero-emission road freight demonstrators are gradually reshaping the segment. Medium trucks benefit from faster regulatory approvals and lower capital outlay, while heavy trucks offer economies of scale for long-distance hauls.

The propulsion segment of the United Kingdom’s medium and heavy-duty truck market is currently dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which still account for the majority of operational fleets across logistics, construction, and municipal services. Diesel engines are standard in most trucks, supported by an established network of fueling infrastructure and robust after-sales servicing. However, this dominance is shifting under pressure from environmental legislation and decarbonization mandates. Since 2021, the UK government has accelerated its net-zero roadmap by setting a phase-out date of 2035 for all new non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles under 26 tonnes, and 2040 for those above, significantly impacting long-term fleet investment planning. Electric trucks have seen increasing uptake in urban logistics and short-haul operations, especially for medium-duty applications. Companies like DAF Trucks, Renault Trucks, and Volvo have launched electric models such as the LF Electric and FE Electric, adopted by fleet operators like Tesco, Royal Mail, and DHL in cities like London, Glasgow, and Liverpool. Electric trucks benefit from lower operating costs, reduced road tax, congestion charge exemptions, and eligibility for incentives under the Plug-in Truck Grant, which offers up to £25,000 per vehicle. Barriers include limited public charging infrastructure, high upfront costs, and range limitations for heavier vehicles. Other propulsion types, including hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), are in the trial phase, with pilots conducted by Tevva, HVS, and other startups in partnership with government-funded demonstrators. Biomethane and compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks are niche but gaining attention for lower CO₂ emissions, especially in regional distribution fleets. Hybrid trucks are used selectively but face limited incentives.

Rigid trucks are widely used for city-based logistics, construction material delivery, retail stock movement, and municipal services due to their single-frame design and better maneuverability in urban environments. These are popular among small businesses, courier services, and public service departments across cities like London, Leeds, and Bristol. Tractor-trailers, also known as articulated trucks, dominate long-haul transportation and are the backbone of the UK’s freight movement especially in inter-regional routes connecting logistics hubs such as the Port of Felixstowe, Dover, and Midlands Gateway. Their detachable trailer structure provides flexibility in load management, enabling higher volume cargo for third-party logistics, postal delivery, FMCG supply chains, and manufacturing distribution. Tipper or dump trucks are crucial in the construction and mining industries, used extensively for hauling aggregates, soil, debris, and construction waste. They are standard vehicles on infrastructure projects such as HS2 and urban redevelopment zones, typically operated by specialized fleets. Other body types include refrigerated trucks for cold chain logistics, tankers for liquid fuel and chemical transport, and flatbeds used in transporting machinery and bulk equipment. The UK’s growing e-commerce and retail sector has also pushed demand for box-bodied trucks and curtain-siders for time-sensitive and organized cargo. Emissions and roadworthiness regulations from the DVSA and DfT apply to all categories, with compliance tied to body type specifications especially for safety and load-handling features. Electric and hybrid variants are emerging in the rigid truck and tipper categories, targeting lower emissions and noise in densely populated areas. OEMs like DAF, Iveco, Scania, and Mercedes-Benz offer customized solutions across body types, often through collaborations with local bodybuilders and fleet managers, driving growth across multiple sectors.

In the United Kingdom, medium and heavy-duty trucks serve a wide spectrum of end-use sectors, with logistics and transportation remaining the most dominant due to the country’s highly developed supply chain infrastructure and growing e-commerce volume. Major retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Amazon operate large truck fleets for nationwide distribution from hubs in Daventry, Milton Keynes, and Doncaster. These fleets use articulated trucks for long-haul movement and rigid trucks for last-mile delivery, especially within urban low-emission zones. In the construction and mining sectors, tipper trucks, concrete mixers, and flatbeds are extensively used for transporting materials and machinery to large-scale infrastructure projects such as HS2, Crossrail, and offshore wind installations in Scotland and the North Sea. Agriculture and forestry in rural counties like Norfolk, Devon, and Cumbria utilize medium-duty trucks to transport produce, feed, equipment, and timber. These vehicles often need to comply with specific road weight limits and seasonal movement restrictions under the UK’s rural transport guidelines. The utility and municipal segment includes refuse collection vehicles, street maintenance trucks, and water tankers used by local councils and public sector contractors. These are commonly fitted with electric drivetrains in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham to meet net-zero goals. Other end users include the military, event logistics companies, fuel and chemical distributors, and emergency response services, all of which require customized truck specifications. Public procurement policies and clean air targets influence purchasing trends among public sector users, creating opportunities for OEMs offering zero-emission or hybrid truck models.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Vehicle Class
• Medium (3.5 to 16 Tonnes)
• Heavy (16 Tonnes and Above)

By Propulsion
• ICE
• Electric
• Other

By Body Type
• Rigid Trucks
• Tractor-Trailers / Articulated Truck
• Tipper / Dump Trucks
• Other

By end users
• Logistic transportation
• Construction and Mining
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Utility And Municipal
• Other Show more