The 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC from April 29 to May 1, reaffirmed its status as the UK’s premier event for the road transport industry. This year’s show spotlighted the sector’s rapid evolution, focusing on decarbonisation, electrification, and smart technologies.
Electrification and Zero Emissions
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A central theme was the transition to zero-emission vans and trucks. The Main Stage session, “The Future of HGV Electrification: Pathways to Zero Emissions,” discussed the latest advancements in HGV electrification, including battery-electric solutions, infrastructure requirements, and policy developments, providing actionable insights for fleet operators looking to make the shift – keynote speaker Carlos Oliveira Rodrigues (Renault Trucks UK and Ireland) emphasized that the industry is now essentially just one replacement cycle away from the 2030 mandate.
Decarbonisation Strategies
There is certainly an increased sense of urgency around the pathway to zero emissions, with sessions titled “Decarbonisation – Don’t Waste the Next Decade” and “How to Decarbonise Your HGV Fleet” emphasizing the rapidly shrinking time-frame for scaling up zero-emission technologies. Representatives from the SMMT, the Department of Transport, Ford, Volvo Trucks, DAF Trucks UK, and Alexander Dennis (to name but a few) discussed the challenges and opportunities in adopting battery-electric, hydrogen and alternative fuel solutions, the role of regulation, as well as necessary investments and financial incentives to accelerate the transition to net-zero.
Advancements in Autonomous Technologies
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By GlobalDataAnother major talking point was autonomous vehicle technology, spanning everything from advanced driver assistance systems to fully self-driving trucks. Discussions focused on how these innovations are set to reshape road safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory frameworks. Talking points included the latest tech breakthroughs, how automation is being applied in real-world scenarios, and the evolving policies that will define the next chapter of smart mobility.
New Vehicle Introductions and Innovations
The greatest buzz at the 2025 CV Show, however, centred around new product, such as Kia’s PV5, making its UK debut as the brand’s first fully electric van. Built on a dedicated EV platform, the PV5 is designed for flexibility across delivery, utility, and passenger transport, with panel van, chassis cab, and passenger variants. The debut marks Kia’s entry into the commercial EV market. The launch also marked the unveiling of Kia’s broader PBV strategy, following a £2.2bn investment: Kia is entering the small van market this year with the launch of the PV5. This will be followed by the PV7, targeting the medium van segment in the first half of 2027, and the PV9, a large van model set to arrive before the end of the decade.
Isuzu unveiled the new D-Max EV, featuring 1-tonne payload, 3,500kg towing capability, and 160 miles range, scheduled to launch in the UK in February 2026, with pre-orders opening in H2 2025. Also making their debut at the 2025 CV Show were the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 and the D-Max Huntsman editions.
Other notable highlights included the all-new Renault Master range, with the Master voted International Van of the Year. Renault also displayed its new electric Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette models, due to be launched in 2026.
Ford celebrated the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Ford Transit in 1965, as well as showcasing its current electrified line-up and the latest Ranger plug-in hybrid.
A notable new arrival to the UK market was Farizon, the CV division of China’s Geely, with the Farizon SV (Super Van) making its public debut. The van will launch with five battery-electric models, available in three lengths and three roof heights.
Flexis made also its debut at the 2025 CV Show as a new electric van brand backed by Renault and Volvo Trucks. The company played a key role in developing Renault’s new electric Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette models, which will also be sold under the Flexis name from 2026. While Renault will distribute through its dealer network, Flexis is expected to focus on direct sales to fleet operators. Flexis also introduced its own Step-In Van at the show, designed for urban logistics with a low step-through floor and modular, software-defined architecture.
Serious Strides Toward an Electric Future
Overall, the 2025 CV Show highlighted the industry’s strong emphasis on electrification, decarbonisation, and smart technologies, showcasing the sector’s readiness to navigate the challenges that lie ahead – a common theme at recent industry events. In short, the foundation is there – but wide-scale readiness depends on accelerated infrastructure rollout, clearer incentives, and continued innovation in battery and charging tech.
Zita Zigan, Director, Global Commercial Vehicle Forecasting, GlobalData
This article was first published on GlobalData’s dedicated research platform, the Automotive Intelligence Center.
