New figures have revealed that market share of new battery-electric vehicles (BEV) in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment are in double percentage figures for the first time.
The data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that BEV registrations rose 74.1% in the month – the best since August 2025 – to take a record market share of 14.7%.
Year to date, market share has for the first time reached double digits, at 10.6%. Currently the mandated target for 2026 is 24%. BEVs are anticipated to account for 11.5% of registrations in 2026, rising to 15.9% in 2027, the SMMT added.
UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations overall rose 22.0% in July to 28,578 units. July marked the market’s fourth consecutive month of growth, as year to date registrations reached 187,226 units, up 4.3% on the first seven months of 2025.
Demand continues to be affected by the reclassification of double cab pickups under Benefit in Kind and capital allowance rules. Given the vital role these vehicles play in supporting economic activity, and to encourage fleet renewal, SMMT said it “continues to urge government to reverse the measure”.
As a result of the figures, the latest market outlook has been revised upward, with 316,00 units expected to be registered this year – amounting to a 0.2% increase overall on last year’s uptake.
The SMMT said that “urgent reform of the mandate regulation is necessary”, with more achievable targets that reflect market demand, as well as “the creation of better conditions both for decarbonisation and investment to strengthen the UK’s competitive position”, it added.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“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.
“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.”
Image courtesy of Green Car Guide
