Call for evidence on exemptions to the 2035 phase-out date for the sale of new non-zero emission HGVs 26 tonnes and under
Published 12 May 2022
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Topic of this call for evidence
Following consultation, government announced at COP26 in November 2021 that it will phase out the sale of new, non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) less than or equal to 26 tonnes from 2035. From 2040 all new HGVs sold in the UK must be zero emission.
This call for evidence seeks views on whether any HGVs less than or equal to 26 tonnes should be exempt from the 2035 phase-out date for the sale of new non-zero emission HGVs. These vehicles would still be subject to the 2040 end of sales date, when all new road vehicles sold in the UK must be zero emission.
This call for evidence should be considered in the context of the consultation on proposed phase out dates for the sale of new, non-zero emission HGVs and the written outcome and response.
Scope
The announced HGV phase-out dates will apply to the sale of new, non-zero emission vehicles in vehicle categories N2 and N3 as defined in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, as it applies in Great Britain.
The phase-out dates will not apply to the sale of new:
- off-road vehicles (categories N2G and N3G)
- buses and coaches
- non-road mobile machinery (NRMM)
- vehicles exempt from road vehicle type approval, such as vehicles with NRMM engines, military vehicles and fire engines
- special purpose vehicles
- agricultural equipment
The 2035 phase out date will apply to rigid vehicles with a gross vehicle weight less than or equal to 26 tonnes, and any articulated HGVs with a gross combination weight of 26 tonnes and under.
A zero emission vehicle is a vehicle that does not produce harmful exhaust emissions, such as greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Exhaust emissions which do not damage public health, such as water vapour, are permitted.
Duration
This technical call for evidence will run from 12 May to 22 July 2022.
How to respond
Please respond to this call for evidence using the online survey. This helps our analysis of the responses and enables a more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised.
Where it is not possible to respond using the online survey, a response pro-forma is available for download on the call for evidence web page.
Completed pro-forma responses should be sent to HGVConsultation@dft.gov.uk.
Try to follow the structure carefully and answer all the questions. Note you may be asked to resend your response if it provides insufficient information for us to analyse.
If neither of the above options are possible, you can send written responses to:
HGV phase out date exemptions consultation
Great Minister House
33 Horseferry Road London
SW1P 4DR
Policy background
The transition to zero emission HGVs is different to that for cars and vans. The HGV sector is diverse, with a range of daily drive cycles, use cases and refuelling patterns. Vehicles are purchased to provide specific services and need to be efficient, reliable and competitive on a total cost of ownership basis to fulfil their commercial functions. HGVs are in regular use over their lifetime, often travelling long distances and carrying heavy loads.
In recognition of the complexity of HGV use cases government will phase out the sale of new, non-zero emission HGVs in 2 stages:
- a phase out date for the sale of new, non-zero emission HGVs less than or equal to 26 tonnes will be introduced from 2035
- from 2040 all new HGVs sold in the UK must be zero emission
What we are seeking evidence on
We are now seeking evidence on HGVs or HGV use cases that justify being included within a limited range of exemptions to the 2035 phase out date for new, non-zero emission HGVs weighing 26 tonnes and under. These vehicles may need until 2040 to transition to zero emission technologies. For example they may:
- carry heavy or abnormal loads
- have an additional power draw
- spend most of their time operating in specialist or remote areas
- be used in long-haul applications
Questions
This is an overview of the questions we are asking in the call for evidence.
The easiest way to respond to the questions is via the online questionnaire.
1) Do you agree or disagree there should be exemptions to the 2035 phase out date for the sale of new, non-zero emission HGVs less than or equal to 26 tonnes?
2) If you disagree, explain why you think we should not allow exemptions to the 2035 end of sales date.
3) If you agree, explain which HGVs or HGV use cases should be exempt from the 2035 phase out date for the sale of new, non-zero emission HGVs 26 tonnes and under.
Please provide clear reasoning for why each vehicle or use case should be exempt.
Where possible, your answer should include information on:
- the vehicle use case
- vehicle category (N2 or N3)
- gross vehicle or gross combination weight
- chassis configuration
- duty cycle
- typical operating hours
- power requirements
- trailer type
It should explain how long the exemption should apply for and why, noting a maximum exemption length of 5 years.
You should provide any data, evidence or estimates of the number of vehicles this exemption could apply to.
4) What are the risks were government not to introduce exemptions for these vehicles?
5) Are there any key sources of information or data government should consider when seeking to apply possible exemptions?
6) Are there any circumstances in which you can see the exemptions you’ve recommended becoming redundant?
Next Steps
The information collected through this call for evidence, together with information gathered during the HGV phase out date consultation, is the first step in a process which will eventually see the end of sale dates for new, non-zero emission HGVs enforced through regulation. Further consultation on what this future regulation may look like and how it may impact the sector will take place in due course.
Enquiries
For any enquiries about the consultation please contact HGVConsultation@dft.gov.uk
Confidentiality and data protection
The Department for Transport (DfT) is carrying out this call for evidence to gather information on possible exemptions to the 2035 phase out date for the sale of new non-zero emission HGVs weighing 26 tonnes and under. This call for evidence and the processing of personal data that it entails is necessary for the exercise of our functions as a government department. If your answers contain any information that allows you to be identified, DfT will, under data protection law, be the controller for this information.
As part of this call for evidence we’re asking for your name and email address. This is in case we need to ask you follow-up questions to clarify your answers and invite you to discuss your responses further. You do not have to give us this personal information. If you do provide it, we will use it only for the purpose of asking follow-up questions.
DfT’s privacy policy has more information about your rights in relation to your personal data, how to complain and how to contact the data protection officer.
Your information will be kept securely on a secure IT system within DfT and destroyed within 12 months after the consultation has been completed.
Consultation principles
The consultation is being conducted in line with the government’s key consultation principles.
If you have any comments about the consultation process please contact:
Consultation Co-ordinator
Department for Transport
Zone 1/29 Great Minster House
London SW1P 4DR
Email consultation@dft.gov.uk
Alternative formats
If need a version of this document in a different format such as braille, audio CD etc please email HGVconsultation@dft.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Freedom of Information
Information provided in response to this consultation, including personal information, may be subject to publication or disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
If you want information that you provide to be treated as confidential, please be aware that, under the FOIA, there is a statutory code of practice with which public authorities must comply and which deals, amongst other things, with obligations of confidence.
In view of this it would be helpful if you could explain to us why you regard the information you have provided as confidential. If we receive a request for disclosure of the information, we will take full account of your explanation, but we cannot give an assurance that confidentiality can be maintained in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not, of itself, be regarded as binding on the department. The department will process your personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act (DPA) and in the majority of circumstances this will mean that your personal data will not be disclosed to third parties.