Labour's net zero goals could be under serious threat as three out of five HGV operators have no plans to purchase electric vehicles.
It comes after research found that 70 per cent of HGV operators currently have no plans to introduce zero emission vehicles into their fleets.
The findings have now raised significant concerns about the Government's ability to meet its Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires all HGVs under 26 tonnes to be electric by 2035 and 2040 for all new HGVs.
The survey also found that only 17 per cent of coach operators plan to invest in electric vehicles within the next five years, compared to 23 per cent of HGV operators.
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Research found that HGV drivers have been reluctant to buy electric vehicles, which risks derailing net zero plans
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Richard Smith, Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association, warned: "Our sector is the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet zero emission vehicle affordability, availability and performance remain major barriers to decarbonisation."
The primary barriers preventing adoption were reported as being consistent across vehicle types, with operators stating insufficient vehicle range and high costs were their main concerns.
Among HGV operators, 45 per cent cited limited range as their primary barrier, while 38 per cent identified high vehicle purchase costs as the main obstacle.
Coach operators showed similar concerns, with 51 per cent ranking insufficient mileage as their top barrier and 45 per cent citing cost as their primary concern.
Drivers of vans were recorded as being more open to buying an electric vehicle than HGV owners
GETTYThe survey found that 85 per cent of operators lack confidence that the Government's net zero targets for commercial vehicles will be met.
However, van operators demonstrate significantly better adoption rates, with two-fifths either already operating electric vehicles or planning to introduce them within the next five years.
The survey found that 15 per cent of van operators already have electric vehicles in their fleets, with an additional 24 per cent planning to add them within five years.
This contrasts sharply with the HGV sector, where only nine per cent of operators currently run electric HGVs.
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Van operators face similar barriers to their HGV counterparts, with 47 per cent ranking insufficient mileage as their top concern and 35 per cent citing cost as the primary obstacle.
The better adoption rates among van operators may reflect the more developed electric van market and shorter typical journey distances compared to long-haul HGV operations.
Smith added: "The RHA is committed to finding solutions and making the road to net zero achievable and affordable to the sector we represent. Our findings will guide future discussions with ministers."
The industry also faces a massive financing challenge, with the Green Finance Institute estimating that £100billion of additional finance will be needed to invest in zero emission HGVs.
Under the net zero targets, all HGVs under 26 tonnes will need to be electric by 2035
PAThe RHA has now called for urgent Government action, including a commitment to provide financing options for businesses and support for low and no-carbon-fuel alternatives such as hydrotreated vegetable oil.
The association also demanded infrastructure investment nationwide, including speeding up planning and grid connections and providing more charging and refuelling sites for HGVs, coaches and vans.
Smith emphasised that 69 per cent of operators want financial support to help invest in depot charging infrastructure, highlighting the scale of investment required.
He stated: "Without decisive action now from decision-makers to support businesses, questions will be asked about whether the 2035 and 2040 diesel phase-out deadlines are achievable."
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