Electric van demand doubles as overall market shrinks again

SMMT: BEV share rises but still far below mandated ambition

UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) shrank by -13.3% in August with 14,365 new vans, pickups and 4x4s joining UK roads, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

The contraction means volumes have fallen every month this year. August is generally the smallest-volume month ahead of ‘new plate’ September, and this month’s decline translated to 2,210 fewer registrations than last year and 111 less than the other pre-plate change month of February.

Amid a tough economic environment, and weak business confidence, demand fell across every segment in August. Registrations of the largest vans declined -11.5% to 10,398 units – albeit still accounting for 72.4% of the overall market – while deliveries of medium-sized vans fell by -14.0% to 2,383 units. 

New pickup registrations saw the largest percentage drop, down -25.8% to 1,040 units, impacted by recent fiscal changes to reclassify double-cab pickups as cars for benefit-in-kind and capital allowance purposes since April. The lower-volume small van and 4x4 segments also declined, down -17.6% and -13.9% to 352 and 192 units respectively.

Manufacturers are now offering over 40 battery electric van (BEV) models. The market is responding positively, with more than double (109.5%) registered compared with August last year – growth that pushed volumes to 1,902 units and market share to a new monthly record of 13.0%.

While the overall market year to date is -11.4%, new BEV uptake has risen by 59.9% – to comprise 9.1% of the overall market. However, that share remains some distance below the 16% mandated target, highlighting the need to increase market confidence. 

With the market now entering what is usually its second-busiest month of the year, operator confidence for September will be crucial for the industry, says the SMMT.

The extension of the Plug-in Van Grant, along with the Depot Charging Scheme, can help operators switch but achieving mandated levels requires a transition that is accessible to all new buyers – particularly those dependent on van-suitable charging infrastructure in public and on-street locations. Depots, meanwhile, which could face grid connection waits of up to 15 years, need planning priority like that afforded data centres and wind farms, enabling smooth and timelier road decarbonisation.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “August is conventionally a low volume month for the new LCV market so while the continued decline is disappointing, the focus is on September to deliver the fleet investment and growth that would reflect a healthy business environment. A thriving market is also essential for decarbonisation, given the vast choice of electric van models already available to suit almost every need. Manufacturers need greater volumes to ensure investment in innovation continues unabated.”