Alongside the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), the letter has urged ministers to set demand targets and fund early infrastructure to close the cost gap with diesel fuel.

Currently, the trade bodies underline that hydrogen’s role in transport policy is limited. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) qualify as zero-emission under the government’s mandate for cars and vans, but hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICEs) are excluded.

The associations argue that an ‘all-technology’ approach is essential to scale the market, avoid grid strain from over-reliance on BEVs, cut diesel use in hard-to-electrify sectors, and safeguard economic opportunities at home.

Infrastructure is also lagging, with just four to six operational hydrogen refuelling stations compared with around 100 across Europe, and most of the government investment channelled into battery electric vehicle (BEV) networks.

The HEA has advised that 12-13 refuelling stations strategically located along freight corridors are an “immediate need,” in addition to back-to-base hubs linked to hydrogen production projects.

Without decisive policy and targeted investment, the UK risks losing ground to international competitors.

The call echoes the Green Hydrogen Mobility Alliance’s latest report, which said hydrogen trucking could reach €8/kg by 2030 if Europe moves beyond pilots and invests in large-scale liquid hydrogen stations with flexible early sourcing.

“Hydrogen is not just an energy solution – it is an economic opportunity,” stressed Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the HEA.

“With the right policy support, the UK can decarbonise heavy transport without compromising productivity, while also creating jobs, strengthening energy security, and positioning itself as a global leader in hydrogen technology.”

While the organisations are still consulting with stakeholders and expect to publish a full report later in the year, they insisted that hydrogen’s role in heavy transport can be factored into the Hydrogen Strategy refresh now.

“We would welcome the opportunity to convene a cross-sector taskforce with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Department for Transport (DfT) to present case studies and investment needs directly,” the letter concluded.