Registrations For Electric Vans On UK Roads Hit 60,000

New van registrations, which have been on the rise for 13 consecutive months, rose 8.4% to 23,962 in January as demand for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) continues to surge, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Electric van registrations increased 19.4% to 1,186, topping 60,000 since 2018, as the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate requires 10% of sales this year to be battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Increasing adoption of electric vans means a large rise in van-compatible public charging stations needs to be enacted quickly.

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Van popularity has been soaring in the UK as more companies opt for the smaller, more manageable size of vehicles with large carrying capacity. (Image courtesy of SMMT.)

Big Demand For Smaller Size

Medium-size vans (those with gross vehicle weights ranging from 2 to 2.5 tonnes) saw the most growth with an increase of almost two-thirds (60.9%) with 5,040 registered. These vans can carry heavy loads while complying with the smaller size requirements of urban environments. The largest vans still hold the largest share of the market but have seen a decline of 4.5%. Pickups and 4x4s also saw increases, up 18.2% and 62.4%, respectively. The smallest vans dropped by 19.8%.

Growing Popularity

Buyers are increasingly turning to zero-emission vehicles. New BEVs grew 19.4% from a year ago. Since 2018, 60,517 BEVs have been registered for use on roads throughout the UK, helped in part by the Plug-in Van Grant. The electric vehicle market offers a greater variety of options as well with 28 distinct models registered in 2023.

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Registration numbers show that Ford’s Transit models are amongst the most popular vans in the UK. (Image courtesy of SMMT.)

“More than a year of growth shows the importance of vans to Britain’s economy, and surpassing 60,000 electric vans is a crucial step in our net zero journey,” says SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes. “Industry is ready to deliver a mass market transition but buyer demand must increase massively, requiring everyone to play their part. Ramping up dedicated public van charging infrastructure in particular is essential for all UK businesses to be confident of making the switch, sooner rather than later.”

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Source: SMMT