Decarbonisation in the UK’s road transport sector is moving from theory to reality. Our 2025 Industry Monitor shows that 25% of operators now run at least some low or zero-carbon vehicles, with 14% using battery electric vehicles (BEVs), 11% running on HVO, and others utilising hybrids and alternative fuels. Yet, for many fleet operators, making the leap to a greener fleet is fraught with practical challenges; including higher upfront costs and limited public charging infrastructure.
Why Make the Shift Now?
- The UK government’s 2035 deadline for ending the sale of new internal combustion engine HGVs under 26 tonnes is approaching.
- Customers and supply chain partners are prioritising sustainability.
- Energy price volatility and the potential for zero-emission zones make investment in greener fleets a strategic imperative.
Overcoming Barriers: Law Distribution’s Real-World Electric Truck Trial
Recognising operator hesitation with new technologies, Asset Alliance Group provided Law Distribution with a demonstrator DAF LF Electric curtainsider for a robust, real-world trial in Liverpool. For two weeks, Law Distribution tested the 19-tonne zero-emission truck in daytime urban deliveries, using overnight depot charging with its existing three-phase power. John Law, Managing Director, reported glowing feedback: “My drivers loved it as it’s very smooth to drive, there is minimal vibration and it’s quiet, which is ideal for urban work in city centres. Decarbonising our fleet is a hugely important aim, and while we’re at the start of our decarbonisation journey, the electric DAF exceeded our expectations as a work tool.”
Asset Alliance Group’s team, supports customers with hands-on trials and infrastructure guidance, helping them find the right alternative fuels and charging solutions for their operations.
Funding the Journey: Flexible Solutions Make Green Fleets Possible
- Contract hire and flexible leasing: Most operators in the sector now prefer to fund new technology vehicles via operating leases or contract hire. This approach mitigates residual value uncertainty, enables regular fleet refreshes, and often can include repair & maintenance, reducing risk and supporting fleet uptime.
- Expert consultative support: Asset Alliance Group works closely with each customer to understand their business, and leveraging strong purchase volumes to secure the best terms.
- Government grants and pilots: Take advantage of the Plug-in Truck Grant and Depot Charging Scheme, where applicable, to offset costs.
Case Studies: Practical, Profitable Decarbonisation
- Law Distribution’s trial of the DAF LF Electric demonstrates how well-planned, real-world testing can ease the transition and build operator confidence in electric solutions.
- NX Group benefited from a contract hire package that enables regular access to new, lower-emission diesel vehicles, bundled repair & maintenance, and protection from unexpected costs, ensuring that their fleet is kept up-to-date with new vehicles.
Next Steps: How Any UK Fleet Can Get Started With Asset Alliance Group
- Audit your needs and routes: Work with experts to match the right technology; BEV, HVO, or hybrid to your daily work patterns.
- Trial before you invest: Take advantage of short-term demos and pilots, as Law Distribution did, to build an operational case for decarbonisation.
- Mitigate risk with contract hire: Reduce capital outlay, keep your cashflow healthy, and stay protected from uncertain future residual values.
- Plan for infrastructure: Collaborate on depot charging strategies and utilise our strategic charging infrastructure partners. Often, the necessary power is already available for overnight fleet charging.
- Stay flexible: Leverage mixed funding and mixed-fuel fleets so your transition keeps pace with policy, technology, and operational realities.
Partnering for the Future
Practical decarbonisation is within reach and Asset Alliance Group is at the forefront, supplying demonstrator vehicles, tailored funding, and consultative support for operators at every stage. Whether you need to trial an electric truck, restructure your fleet funding, or simply get impartial advice, connect with AAG’s specialists to start your low-carbon journey with confidence.
