With less than 10 years until the phase-out of new non-zero emission vans and trucks, the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025 will give operators facing a decade of difficult decarbonisation decisions access to the vehicles and expertise, essential to ensuring their business thrives in a post-diesel world.
The UK's commercial vehicle sector is at a critical junction, facing significant challenges in transitioning to zero-emission vans and HGVs up to 26 tonnes by 2035. In 2024, just 6.3% of new vans and 0.5% of new trucks were zero-emission –with fewer than one full cycle of fleet renewal to go until the end of sale, highlighting the urgency for fleet operators to prepare for a radically different market.
As a result, the CV Show’s return to the NEC Birmingham on 29 April-1 May will be crucial, giving operators the opportunity to get a closer look at the very latest vehicle technology, combined with a full conference programme designed to provide the route map to green growth.
As the UK’s largest road transport logistics trade event, the Show has been the sector’s one-stop shop to do business for the past quarter of a century, with a vast range of exhibitors and seminars providing invaluable awareness and product expertise. Delivered in partnership by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the event will welcome hundreds of exhibitors from every area – manufacturers, suppliers and providers – as well as more than 12,000 senior fleet representatives tasked with critical investment decisions in the coming years.
Industry leaders on the Main Stage
The event’s opening day, hosted by SMMT, will feature keynote speeches from Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, and Baroness Jacqui Smith, UK Minister for Skills and Leader of the House of Lords.
Innovate UK will provide an update on the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration (ZEHID) project, followed by panel discussions with leading OEMs on decarbonisation.
Meanwhile the Green Finance Institute will also host a dedicated How to Decarbonise Your HGV Fleet panel, while EV Essentials will lead a discussion on light commercial vehicle (LCV) electrification.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The CV Show provides a vital platform for operators to engage with manufacturers, policymakers, and providers to navigate the road to net zero. As the UK’s largest road transport logistics event, it will focus on the steps required to accelerate fleet electrification, tackle gaps in infrastructure, while showcasing the outstanding vehicle technology available right now for operators to futureproof their business.”
Day two, led by the RHA, will open with a keynote from Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, covering Net Zero and charging infrastructure. Carlos Oliveira Rodrigues, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland Managing Director, will speak on HGV electrification, alongside further discussions on safety, logistics, and emerging technology.
Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “The commercial vehicle industry needs clarity on the transition to EV. We’ll be addressing the real-world challenges of electrification and alternative fuels at the CV Show and are committing to ensuring that the operators have the right support to adapt.”
Manufacturers and Exhibitors leading on electrification transition
More than 150 businesses will be exhibiting at the CV Show, which will also play host to several new electric commercial vehicle launches – including KIA, who will showcase the PV5, its first fully electric van, for the first time in the UK.
Renault Group will also be in attendance once again, and will be joined by representatives of Flexis, the joint venture between the French brand, Volvo Group and CMA CGM.
Skywell's 233 electric van will make its debut, while Ford Motor Company will also show its latest electric Transit offerings. Farizon Auto Jameel Motors will present the all-new born electric Farizon SV. Believed to be the very first homologated drive, steer, and brake-by-wire LCV on UK roads, its advanced technology and unique attributes are set to deliver real-world benefits to fleet operators and van drivers.
Charging infrastructure will be a key discussion point and Chargepoly, SMMT, RHA, and National Highways will use the Show to outline strategies for scaling up charging solutions to support the industry’s transition over the next decade. Meanwhile, the likes of Etrux will showcase innovative sustainable solutions to redefine the future of mobility.
