The government has said that all new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK will be zero emission within the next two decades.

According to the government, the move makes the UK the first country in the world to commit to phasing out new, non-zero emission HGVs weighing 26 tonnes and under by 2035, with all new HGVs sold in the UK to be zero emission by 2040.

The announcement comes as a new UK electric vehicle chargepoint design is unveiled.

The government said that new design, which was showcased in the UK Pavilion at COP26 and designed together with the Royal College of Art, could become as iconic as the Great British post box, London bus, or black cab.

“From our roads to the skies, the transition to zero emission transport has reached a tipping point,” said UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps. “We know that transport plays a key role saving the planet from warming above 1.5°C, which is why this is the COP that will kick start our ambition for zero emission aviation and why I’m proud to be uniting world leaders to tackle climate change – creating new opportunities for clean growth, green jobs and improved air quality right across the globe.

“To support the transition to EVs, it’s integral that we have the infrastructure to support it. My vision is for the UK to have one of the best EV infrastructure networks in the world, with excellent British design at its heart.”

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