Decline for new van market puts strain on EV ambitions, warns automotive sector

SMMT: Electric van uptake up 72.6% but market share lags behind mandated levels.

The new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell by -5.1% in July with 24,433 vans, 4x4s, pickups and taxis joining the road, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

This marks the sector’s eighth consecutive month of decline, and the weakest July since 2022, as sluggish business confidence deters fleet investment, and economic conditions remain tough.

Demand fell across most segments in the month, with uptake of the smallest vans recording the sharpest drop, down -20.6% to 738 units, while deliveries of the largest models fell -4.6% to 16,040 units. Following April’s tax change to treat double-cabs as cars for benefit-in-kind and capital allowance purposes, the pickup segment declined for a third consecutive month, down -17.3% to 1,897 units. Growth, however, was recorded in registrations of mid-sized vans, up 2.5% to 4,138 units, and 4x4s, up 0.5% to 620 units.

Manufacturers are offering greater choice across a range of electric van models, payloads and price points – with more than 40 to choose from. Deliveries of BEVs rose by 72.6% to 2,442 in July – totalling eight months of continuous growth. 

In the year to date, however, BEVs represent just 8.8% of the overall market – a significant distance from the 16% mandated.

The SMMT says expediting depot grid connections, ensuring efficient implementation of local planning and promptly delivering LCV-suitable infrastructure, are all essential to encourage investment and accelerate the transition.

The latest 2025 outlook has been revised downwards, with the market now expected to decline by more than 30,000 units, or -8.7%, to 321,000 units. The BEV share of LCV registrations up to 3.5T has also been adjusted downwards for 2025, to 8.6%,4 with a marginal increase to 13.7% expected in 2026 against a mandated target of 24% in that year.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said” “Eight months of LCV market decline underlines the ongoing economic pressures facing businesses, yet the sector remains steadfast in its commitment to decarbonise. Manufacturers continue to invest in delivering a diverse range of zero emission vans to suit every use case, and it’s encouraging to see uptake growing – but to meet mandated targets, it must grow faster. Accelerating infrastructure rollout, streamlining planning processes and providing targeted support for fleet operators are essential to drive progress and keep the UK at the forefront of road transport decarbonisation.”