April demand for new battery electric vans (BEVs) weighing up to 4.25 tonnes grew for the seventh month running, surging by 77.5% to 1,686 units, representing 8.3% of the market, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The rise, which is a 4.3% point rise on the same month last year comes as there are now 40 different electric van models in the UK market.
Overall, demand for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) fell by -14.9% in April, which is traditionally a low volume month and subject to fluctuations.
The contraction was softened by growth in new 4x4s, up 19.2% to 564 units while, more substantially, registrations of pickups rose for the second consecutive month, by 10.2% to 2,740 units.
The SMMT said that the industry “remains fully committed to decarbonisation”, but BEV uptake during 2025 remains at 8.3%, which is around half the 16% market share mandated.
Although it welcomed the “essential” continuing of the Plug-in Van Grant, the SMMT said more action was needed, including speeding up depot charging connections, which would assist in uptake.
Accelerating the transition “requires more commercial vehicle-specific public charging infrastructure across the UK’s strategic road network – along with more affordable energy and consistent, efficient implementation of local planning policy”, it said.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, added:
“Five months of shrinking demand for new vans reflects weaker business confidence and a challenging economic environment. Such conditions discourage fleet upgrades into new zero emission technology, meaning older, more polluting vehicles stay on the road longer.
“Switching must have clear commercial benefits, so the sector needs bold and assertive action if ambitious mandate targets are to be met. Preferential treatment for grid connections, more affordable energy and consistent local planning – all are needed to make the case for going electric unarguable.”
The news comes as Transport + Energy launches its first Fleet Electrification Forum on 9 July at Warwick Conferences. There are specialist sessions on electric fleets and commercial vehicles, including a session chaired by green fleet expert Paul Kirby. Find out more here.
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