Battery electric vans (BEVs) grew strongly, up 44.7% with 2,439 registrations in April, according to new figures.
The data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also found the overall light commercial vehicle (LCV) market rose by 6.8% in April with 21,716 vans, pickups and 4x4s joining UK roads.
At an 11.1% market share, however, BEV adoption represented around half the 24% share mandated for 2026. More than half of the UK’s LCV model offering is currently available with a plug, backed by the Plug-in Van Grant.
Overall growth was driven by deliveries of large vans, up 28.5% to 15,561 units, representing 71.7% of all new LCVs registered. Medium-sized vans declined by -20.0% to 3,476 units. In the smaller volume segments, registrations of 4x4s rose by 81.6% to 1,024 units, while small vans fell -14.4% to 489 units.
The latest industry outlook for 2026 has been revised downwards, with 314,000 units expected to be delivered this year – flat compared with last year.
BEVs up to 3.5T are expected to see volume growth of 25%, reaching a market share of 11.1%.
The SMMT said that the industry “continues to urge government to reverse the measure and unlock investment in the latest, increasingly zero emission models – getting older and more polluting vehicles off the road while boosting Treasury tax receipts”.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“April’s improved market is welcome news, despite a tough economic environment. New LCV investment drives growth and decarbonisation, but must be sustained by investment in public and depot BEV infrastructure – and a reversal of BIK on double cabs – to build momentum for fleet renewal that cuts emissions and boosts business.”
Image courtesy of Green Car Guide
