Electric vans delivered a record share of the UK light commercial vehicle market in July, but remained well below the levels needed to meet the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
New battery electric van registrations increased 74.1% year-on-year to capture a record 14.7% of the market during July, the highest monthly share on record.
Year-to-date, electric vans account for 10.6% of all new LCV registrations, the first time they have achieved a double-digit share.
However, this uptake remains significantly lower that the 24% zero-emission sales target required under this year’s ZEV Mandate.
Overall, the UK light commercial vehicle market grew by 22% in July, with 28,578 new vans, pick-ups and 4x4s registered. The growth marked the fourth consecutive month of expansion, taking registrations for the first seven months of 2026 to 187,226 units.
Meanwhile, the market for double-cab pick-ups continued to weaken following changes to Benefit in Kind taxation and capital allowance rules.
Registrations fell by 53.2% in July, marking a tenth consecutive month of decline, with the SMMT renewing its call for the Government to reverse the changes.
While electric van uptake continues to outpace the wider market, the SMMT warned that fleet decarbonisation is still being constrained by high vehicle purchase costs, limited charging infrastructure and wider commercial pressures facing operators.
The organisation’s latest market outlook forecasts battery electric vans will account for 11.5% of registrations across the whole of 2026, rising to 15.9% in 2027.
That trajectory leaves the market around two years behind the pace required to meet the ambitions of the ZEV Mandate.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said the record monthly performance demonstrated that operators were prepared to invest in zero-emission vehicles when conditions were right.
“Continued van market growth shows operator resilience and sustained sector investment, while record battery electric van uptake is encouraging, proving businesses will switch if business conditions are right,” he said.
He added: “However, multiple barriers are constraining the market – high capital expenditure costs, infrastructure challenges and, for pick-ups, fiscal disincentives.
“Rapid revisions to regulation and taxation are required urgently to spur the commercial vehicle fleet renewal essential to the achievement of net zero.”
