BEV uptake rises as UK van market contracts
Battery-electric vans bucked the downward trend in the UK light commercial vehicle market in November. Volumes rose 25.3% to 2,909 units, securing a 12.3% share, while overall registrations fell by 22.2% to 23,570 units. For battery-electric models, November thus marks the strongest monthly performance of 2025.
Year-to-date, BEV uptake has grown 44.7% to 27,159 units, yet the segment’s 9.4% market share remains well below the government’s mandated 16% target.
The broader market continued to contract, with year-to-date registrations down 11.4% compared with 2024. All major LCV segments recorded declines, including large vans, which fell 19.7% but still represented nearly 70% of overall volumes. The contrast with BEV growth highlights the role of electric models in supporting fleet renewal even amid wider economic pressures.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), manufacturers have expanded BEV offerings to more than 40 models, but the industry faces persistent barriers. These include higher acquisition costs linked to production expense, lengthy depot grid connection times and limited public charging infrastructure suitable for vans. Government measures such as the extension of the Plug-in Van Grant, the new Depot Charging Scheme and proposed planning reforms are expected to support further uptake, but the industry stresses the need for timely implementation.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “Lacklustre light commercial vehicle uptake highlights weak economic confidence, and slower fleet renewal means slower decarbonisation. While it is encouraging that zero emission van uptake is rising, the pace of change severely lags government ambition, and every lever must be pulled to support demand and protect industry investment – both of which are essential to our shared net zero goals.”
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