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

Renault Trucks is stepping up its pace in what it terms the circular economy by regenerating, repurposing and recycling vehicles from its fleet and offering used vehicles through its network of specialised centres.

The challenge of finding somewhere to rapidly charge electric vehicles (EVs) during a long journey on England’s motorways could become a thing of the past thanks to a multi-million-pound investment from National Highways.

In its single biggest launch since the introduction of its new truck generation back in 2016, Scania is introducing a new engine platform and up­dates that are set to consolidate its position as a leading manufacturer of premium heavy trucks.

Chinese vehicle manufacturer Giga Carbon Neutrality (GCN) has unveiled a range of zero-emission commercial vehicles, including a 44-tonne tractor unit, that it plans to bring to market over the next two years.

A sweeping review will seek to improve compulsory ongoing training for HGV drivers in the latest of 30 measures to support the road haulage sector and encourage more people to return to the profession.

A new report published on 4 October, 2021 by the London Mayor’s office claims that 95% of heavy goods vehicles in London now meet the strict Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, helping to clean up the capital’s toxic air and improve the health of Londoners. This figure has increased from 87% in 2017.

At 3pm (CET) on 12 October, Volvo Trucks will present a global, online event to help transport companies get started on switching to electric vehicles. The event will answer common questions and highlight the important business aspects of electromobility.

Tire manufacturer Bridgestone is joining forces with EVBox Group and TSG to install 3,500 charging ports across Bridgestone’s European retail and service network in the next five years. The project will begin in France and Italy before expanding into the UK, Germany, Poland, Spain, and other European countries.

The changes to the HGV driver testing process announced on 10 September show the government is now moving at pace towards a solution to the current driver shortage, according to business group Logistics UK.

The government is consulting on proposed changes to the requirements to obtain a vocational driving licence to help address the current shortage of lorry drivers.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the positive response from the Department for Transport (DfT) to the trials of longer semi-trailers (LSTs), finding them to be safer, more economical, and better for the environment.

The government is consulting on proposed changes to the requirements to obtain a vocational driving licence to help address the current shortage of lorry drivers.

DKV Mobility, one of the leading mobility service providers in Europe, has launched a new service to enable customers to settle toll charges electronically in Poland.

The development of electric vehicle (EV) batteries with a range similar to internal combustion engines, and that can charge in as little as 12 minutes, were among projects awarded £91 million of UK government and industry funding on 18 August, 2021.

The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has announced the launch of a campaign to recruit additional HGV driving examiners in England and Wales in an attempt to reduce the chronic shortage of lorry drivers, currently estimated to be around 100,000.

Vehicle manufacturer, Scania is to participate in a major feasibility study into the operation of long haul electrified trucks utilising dynamic charging provided by overhead wires on electric roads.

Changes to the Highway Code that will create a hierarchy of responsibility for road users are expected to be ratified by the UK government later this year. ​

As the world faces a shortage of truck drivers, youngsters could offer a glimmer of hope for the future of HGV transport, according to a leading driving experience provider.