Zero emission vehicles and alternative fuels

Vehicle emissions are one of the biggest drivers of climate change. The mass adoption of zero emission vehicles can help deliver carbon reductions, improve air quality and grow the green economy.

The United Kingdom government has committed to a pathway for the decarbonisation of cars, vans and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to help businesses to plan for the transition over several years.

Cars and vans decarbonisation dates

The UK government has set out a path for all new cars and vans sold to be zero emission by 2035.

Find out more about the plans for the transition to zero emission cars and vans.

HGVs decarbonisation dates 

A two phase approach to decarbonising HGVs is being adopted by the UK government:

1. The phase-out of non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles weighing 26 tonnes and under by 2035.
2. All new HGVs sold in the UK will be zero emission by 2040.

Find out more about the plans for the transition to zero emission HGVs.

Buses, coaches and minibuses decarbonisation plans

The UK government ran a consultation in spring 2022 on ending the sale of new, non-zero emission buses, coaches and minibuses.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is analysing feedback and will announce the outcome in due course – find out more about the consultation on ending the sale of new, non-zero emission buses, coaches and minibuses.

L-category vehicles decarbonisation plans

The UK government ran a consultation in summer 2022 on ending the sale of new, non-zero emission L-category vehicles – for example, mopeds, motorcycles, powered tricycles and quadricycles.

DfT is analysing feedback and will announce the outcome in due course – find out more about the consultation on ending the sale of new, non-zero emission L-category vehicles.