The UK government has confirmed that all new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the United Kingdom will be zero-emission by 2040.

This, combined with the UK’s 2030 phase out for petrol and diesel cars and vans, represents a world-leading pledge to end the sale of all polluting road vehicles within the next two decades.

A group of ministers and industry leaders committed to working towards 100% zero-emission new car and van sales by 2040 or earlier met at Transport Day at COP26. Thirty-four countries, six major vehicle manufacturers (GM, Ford, Mercedes, BYD, Volvo, JLR), 41 cities, states and regions, 28 fleets and 13 investors all jointly set out their determination for all new car and van sales to be zero-emission by 2040 globally and 2035 in leading markets.

The UK government has also unveiled a new design for electric vehicle charging points, which could become as iconic as the Great British post box, London bus or black cab. The device, designed by the Royal College of Art and PA Consulting, was showcased in the UK Pavilion at COP26. 

Photo: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps demostrates the new iconic charging point.