Large Goods Vehicles: Electric Vehicles
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has modelled the effect of increased axle weights associated with zero-emission heavy goods vehicles on pavement deterioration rates across the strategic and local road network; and what estimate she has made of the associated long-term infrastructure costs.
Answered by Simon Lightwood
While zero-emission vehicles can be heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalents, the increasing weight of all road vehicles is one of a number of factors affecting the condition of the road network.
National Highways is currently undertaking research into the potential impacts of longer and heavier goods vehicles, including heavier zero-emission HGVs, on road condition across the Strategic Road Network. Initial findings indicate that the impact on road wear and deterioration is likely to vary depending on vehicle type, traffic growth, vehicle uptake and maintenance regimes.
As the research is ongoing, National Highways has not yet quantified any network-wide impact on maintenance costs, and any future implications will depend on the level of uptake of heavier zero-emission HGVs, traffic growth and the condition and type of existing pavement assets. The research is due to conclude in March 2027 and will help inform future asset management and maintenance strategies.
Research is also underway to assess the impact of heavier zero-emission heavy goods vehicles on bridges. While battery electric HGVs are currently slightly heavier than those with internal combustion engines, as battery technologies improve over time the weight difference is likely to reduce.
More broadly, guidance for local highway authorities highlights the need for maintenance plans to take account of changes in traffic and vehicle usage, including the presence of heavier vehicles.
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