After 35 years in the commercial vehicle sector, Darren Newman brings a seasoned yet hopeful perspective to the industry’s decarbonisation journey. As director of Low Carbon Truck Consultancy, he offers a clear-eyed assessment of 2024—highlighting breakthrough government initiatives like the ZEHID programme, while critically addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges, from fragmented government support to the urgent need for comprehensive strategic planning.
Darren Newman, Director of Low Carbon Truck Consultancy, shares his thoughts on the progress made and unresolved challenges in the decarbonisation of the sector during the past 12 months.
Industry’s most significant decarbonisation breakthrough in 2024?
The kick-off of the ZEHID programme is the largest ever government-funded evidence-gathering program our industry has seen, this has to be the most significant win of 2024.
Biggest missed opportunity or unresolved challenge for the sector?
Another year has gone by without an integrated roadmap from government. Without this we are missing opportunities to do more today with renewable fuels and we are limiting the industry’s ability to develop the long-term plans necessary to implement ZEVs.
Actions or initiatives you’re most proud of?
As I don’t run vehicles, my decarbonisation journey involves working with those that do. I am most proud of how well my ‘Carbon Literacy for Transport Operators’ course has been received and by the commitments and achievements of those who’ve been on the course.
2024 reflection?
It has been a difficult year for the industry for too many reasons to list here, it saddens me to see so many operators turn their last wheel in 2024.
2025 and beyond
Looking at the bigger picture - optimistic or pessimistic?
I am optimistic about the manufacturers ability to meet their decarbonisation targets in 2025, however, the next five years are critical. Meeting the 2030 target involves being able to pick some much higher hanging fruit.
I am also optimistic about operators meeting their own targets; what make me more pessimistic is the large number of operators that haven’t got targets.
Areas needing acceleration?
Government support needs to move faster. I’m not talking about incentives, I mean long term strategy, a sensible regulatory framework that provides clarity for the industry. Like farming, transport is capital intensive and survives on small margins, without detailed planning and support from government it cannot be expected to deliver.
Collaborative initiative that gives you confidence about progress?
Things like the Road Transport Expo and the MT Decarbonisation Summit are great collaborative events where operators can learn and share experiences. There are many sources of information and many knowledgeable people around the whole topic; I do feel however, that there is a lack of SMEs involved at this time.
Additional thoughts for the year ahead?
I’m just hoping after a year of consolidation, the operating environment becomes more stable and we see a return to profitability. Without growth, decarbonisation will suffer.
