Van market dips in September as EV uptake hits record high

The UK’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market saw a modest decline in September, with registrations falling by -2.1% to 47,418 units, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Despite the dip, electric vans recorded their best-ever month for registrations, highlighting a growing shift toward zero-emission models.

The overall drop reflects continuing market pressures, with total LCV registrations down -9.8% year-to-date, as businesses grapple with economic uncertainty and subdued confidence. However, September’s decline was the smallest of the year, and overall volumes remained above pre-pandemic levels — a sign of resilience in what is traditionally one of the market’s busiest months.

Segment performance was uneven. The largest vans — those weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes — recorded a 3.2% rise to 32,670 units, accounting for nearly 69% of all registrations. Pickups and small vans also posted gains, up 7.8% and 1.9% respectively, to 5,749 and 1,202 units, as manufacturers fulfilled earlier orders ahead of upcoming changes to government fiscal measures on double-cab pickups.

In contrast, medium-sized van registrations fell sharply by -25.1% to 7,150 units, while 4x4s declined by -13.4% to 647 units.

The standout story was the surge in electric van uptake, which rose 41.1% year-on-year to 4,262 units, marking the highest-ever monthly total and capturing 8.9% of the market. So far this year, battery-electric van (BEV) registrations have climbed 55.9% to 22,118 units, representing 9.1% of the total market.

While this represents strong progress, the sector remains short of the government’s 16% zero-emission vehicle mandate target for 2025. The SMMT said manufacturers are responding by offering an expanding range of over 40 electric models, but warned that charging infrastructure remains a critical barrier.

The recent extension of the Plug-in Van Grant and the introduction of the Depot Charging Scheme are expected to support uptake, but industry leaders have urged faster action to address long waiting times for depot grid connections — which can stretch up to 15 years — and to prioritise planning approvals for charging facilities.

“The growth in electric van uptake is hugely encouraging, but the market is under pressure to deliver the investment necessary for decarbonisation. Manufacturers are delivering a huge choice of models to suit all businesses – now we need better dedicated infrastructure and continuing incentives to drive the switch.”