New electric van (EV) registrations soared 41.1% year-on-year to 4,262 units in September – the most ever recorded in a single month – claiming a market share of 8.9%, but still well below the 16% share mandated for 2025.
According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), year-to-date BEV volumes now stand at 22,118 units, up 55.9% on 2024 to represent 9.1% of all new registrations.
SMMT said the sector’s growth, in what was a tough year for the overall market, was impressive, but still lagged behind the 16% share mandated for 2025.
It praised manufacturers efforts to meet the mandate, pointing to the 40 electric van model options now on offer, but warned that the lack of charging infrastructure at public, on-street and overnight locations, will continue to fetter demand.
SMMT added: “The extension of the Plug-in Van Grant and the recent Depot Charging Scheme will help operators switch, but achieving mandated ambition depends on boosting operator confidence and ensuring access to suitable charging infrastructure.
“The switch must be accessible for all new buyers, including those requiring van-suitable charging infrastructure at public, on-street and overnight locations.
“Given depots could face grid connection waits of up to 15 years, urgent priority for planning approval is needed – like that afforded data centres and wind farms – so that businesses can plan for a smooth and timely transition of their fleet operations.”
SMMT’s latest research also revealed that UK deliveries of new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) dipped by 2.1% in ‘new numberplate’ September with 47,418 vans, pickups and 4x4s registered, according to the latest figures published today by the SMMT.
The modest drop continues 2025’s downward trend, with registrations down 9.8% year to date, reflecting a tough economic environment and weak business confidence.
The performance, however, is the smallest decline this year, SMMT pointed out, adding that it still remains above pre-pandemic levels, providing a key positive in one of the market’s busiest months – as van manufacturers continue to invest heavily to bring zero emission models to market.
Segment performance was mixed, with the overall decline softened by a rise in deliveries of the largest vans, up 3.2% to 32,670 units – the largest segment by volume, representing almost seven in 10 (68.9%) registrations.
Demand for new pickups and the smallest sized vans also grew, up 7.8% and 1.9% to 5,749 and 1,202 units respectively, as previous new pickup orders were delivered before government’s new fiscal measures on double-cabs are applied to orders placed after April.
Medium-sized van uptake fell, by 25.1% to 7,150 units, while 4x4 uptake declined by 13.4% to 647 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “September is one of the busiest months for the new van market so a slight dip in volumes compared with previous strong years is disappointing but unsurprising.
“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.”
