London, UK: UK truck makers are privately lobbying against the proposed ban on diesel trucks sales from 2040 with truck manufacturers split over when heavy goods vehicles should abandon fossil fuels.
In July the government revealed plans to ban internal combustion engines in new trucks after 2040, following a ban on petrol and diesel cars after 2035 to help tackle the climate crisis. It is now consulting on the measure.
The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders says publicly that the proposed ban is a bold commitment that requires financial support from the government. However, it has told MPs privately that a ban should be delayed.
The responses were obtained through a formal request by InfluenceMap, a thinktank that tracks climate lobbying, which shared them with the Guardian.
The Road Haulage Association said the ban should be delayed until 2045 for lorries over 32 tonnes but supported earlier bans for smaller trucks.
This reflects the problems, particularly of range, with electric powered heavy trucks. However, some makers including Volvo, Daf, and electric truck developer Tesla support the proposed date for a ban.
The SMMT said the industry was committed to zero-emission HGVs “where technology options are viable and the business case for investment allows”, but that “some specific use cases are likely to be more challenging”.
Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, said in a statement: “SMMT and its members do not oppose setting an end-of-sale date, but we need plans before bans. The HGV sector is committed to be fossil fuel free by 2040 and in some use cases it will be possible to switch to zero-emission trucks before this date – but at present there is no clear alternative technology available for every single HGV operation.”
Rod McKenzie, managing director of policy, RHA, said more time was needed for the largest lorries only because the technology to power them was not yet available. He said that would mean small delivery companies were faced with financial risks when buying new vehicles.
“It’s not that we’re against cleaner air or phasing out diesel lorries,” he said. “The question has always been the timescale.”
Pictured above is Renault’s electric 26-tonner. The three axle chassis with rear steer suits temperature-controlled distribution. All Renault’s D range have a fridge-connection option, which supplies fridge power directly from the 600 V traction batteries. The 18 tonne D Wide ZE is available to order now.
