# GXO research highlights cost barriers to UK fleet transition

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/gxo-research-highlights-cost-barriers-to-uk-fleet-transition/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-10-15T13:30:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-15T08:16:23+00:00
- **Section:** Analysis / Industry Voices
- **Type:** Opinion
- **Topics:** Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Electric Trucks, Fleet Decarbonisation, GXO Logistics, UK Road Freight

New research finds that rising fuel costs and infrastructure challenges continue to influence investment in alternative-fuel vehicles.

Rising operating costs are becoming a central factor in decisions about alternative-fuel vehicle adoption among UK transport and logistics businesses, according to new research published by GXO Logistics.

The company’s latest Future of Transport study, released on 14 October 2026, surveyed more than 1,000 UK supply chain, transport and logistics decision-makers.

While 87% of respondents identified emissions reduction as a key priority, only 38% reported currently operating alternative-fuel vehicles.

The findings suggest that financial considerations and infrastructure limitations continue to influence the pace of fleet transition, despite widespread interest in lower-emission transport.

## Operating costs influence fleet investment

According to the survey, 63% of respondents said rising fuel costs were accelerating their interest in alternative-fuel vehicles.

However, 76% indicated that demonstrating cost savings or operational efficiencies was essential before committing investment to lower-emission transport.

High vehicle acquisition costs, uncertainty surrounding future fuel technologies and limited charging or refuelling infrastructure were identified as barriers to adoption.

In response, many businesses are focusing on improving the efficiency of existing transport operations.

The research found that 43% of respondents were taking steps to reduce part-load movements, while 41% were working to reduce empty running.

A further 41% were exploring fleet-sharing arrangements, and 39% reported optimising transport routes. GXO said these figures had increased compared with its previous survey in 2024.

## Infrastructure planning remains limited

The study also examined expectations for alternative propulsion technologies in road freight.

Among respondents, 70% expected gas-powered fleets using LNG or CNG to become a viable and affordable option by 2028.

Electric heavy goods vehicles followed at 68%, while 64% identified biofuels and 62% hydrogen as potentially viable alternatives.

These figures reflect respondents’ expectations rather than confirmed forecasts of technology adoption or commercial performance.

Despite growing interest, only 25% of surveyed businesses had begun investment planning for charging or refuelling infrastructure.

Meanwhile, 30% had started procurement planning related to anticipated energy requirements.

The findings follow earlier GXO research indicating that 89% of surveyed UK businesses expected transport operating costs to increase over the following 12 months, while only 35% reported having a defined strategy and timeline for adopting alternative-fuel vehicles.

GXO is also participating in the UK’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, which supports the deployment and operational testing of electric heavy goods vehicles and associated charging infrastructure.

The latest findings underline the gap between stated decarbonisation priorities and investment decisions across the UK road freight sector.

*The views expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of pelavox.*

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Cite as: "GXO research highlights cost barriers to UK fleet transition", pelavox., 15 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/gxo-research-highlights-cost-barriers-to-uk-fleet-transition/