May van sales buoyant as supply pressures ease

The number of UK light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered in the UK grew by 15.3 per cent in May compared with last year, reaching 25,359 units, according to the latest SMMT figures. It represents the fifth consecutive month of rising deliveries as the market rebounds from a tough 2022 as supply chain challenges continue to ease, although registrations remain -13.0 per cent below the pre-pandemic 2019 level.

Registrations of the largest LCVs, weighing greater than 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes, rose by 8.3 per cent to 17,173 units, representing nearly seven in 10 (67.7 per cent) new vans, while deliveries of medium-sized vans weighing more than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes reached 4,143 units, up 57.2 per cent. As fleet operators continue to opt for models with larger payloads, demand for small vans at or below 2.0 tonnes fell by -42.3 per cent, while the number of newly registered pickup vans increased by 13.3 per cent. Meanwhile, deliveries of new 4x4s surged by 698.7 per cent to 615 units last month, evidence of the diverse range of LCVs that keep Britain on the move.

More businesses switched to zero emission workhorses, too, with the battery electric vehicle (BEV) market up 19.7 per cent to 1,041 units, representing around one in 24 new vans. Rising demand means that 7,028 all-electric vans have been registered so far in 2023, an increase of 15.5 per cent on the same period last year. With more than 25 electric van models now available in the UK, operators have a wealth of choice in zero emission solutions. Despite the strong progress made by the sector, demand for electric vans remains some distance behind the new car market, where the BEV market share is three times greater.

Next year, the launch of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate will set a minimum quota for new ZEV registrations for every manufacturer, however, the greatest barrier to increased BEVs on UK roads is charging anxiety – the fear of being unable to find a suitable, available and working chargepoint wherever and whenever needed – a particularly acute concern for commercial vehicle operators

As such, the UK must form a national plan to deliver the zero emission van transition and do so urgently. This can be achieved via a supportive fiscal framework, simplified planning processes, faster grid connections and the provision of a nationwide network of reliable, affordable chargepoints. In addition, regulated infrastructure targets that are commensurate with new vehicle registration mandates would help to reassure van operators that their specific business needs can be met with a battery electric van. Investment is undoubtedly coming for the car sector, but the van sector cannot be left behind.

Said SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes: “A van market rebound is an opportunity to deliver an increasingly environmentally sustainable recovery and a boost to the economy. But every lever must be pulled to support the electric switch. With the forthcoming ZEV Mandate, we also need a national plan to deliver public charging infrastructure that encourages plug-in van uptake, to give the UK confidence over what can – and must – be a stable, successful transition for businesses up and down the country.”