Van’s the man(heim)

The average sale price of an electric van at Manheim Auction Services was up by 33% year-on-year to £9,971.

Manheim Auction Services reported that electric van volumes at its auctions were up 74% year-on-year in January and February. The average sale price of an electric van at Manheim was up by 33% year-on-year to £9,971. Average age was down to 34 months and average mileage was down to 19,675.

Manheim said that January and February 2026 were the best-performing months it has ever recorded for electric vans. It said that this uplift, along with improvements in new electric van sales, shows that electrification is gaining traction in the commercial vehicle sector.

Matthew Davock, Director of Commercial Vehicles at Manheim UK, said: “While younger, lower mileage stock is undoubtedly driving improved performance across electric vehicle sales, this wouldn’t be possible without rising market confidence and increasing buyer appetite.

“What we’re seeing now is the early stages of market maturity. Buyers now understand more about battery performance, running costs and charging needs than ever before.

“Combined with improved product quality and wider industry awareness, this is reducing hesitation and accelerating adoption. “In 2025, we spoke consistently about growing momentum in the market, so it is encouraging to see this momentum carry into 2026 and continue to gain pace.”

Logistics UK’s Head of Road Freight and English Regions Policy Maddi Solloway-Price said: “Manheim’s latest figures are a strong signal that the electric van market is moving beyond early adoption and into a more established phase. A 74% increase in volumes, alongside rising values and younger, lower-mileage stock, reflects growing confidence among operators and buyers alike.

“For logistics businesses, this trend is significant. It shows that concerns around cost, performance and usability are beginning to ease as knowledge improves and the second-hand market strengthens. A healthy used market is essential to supporting wider fleet transition, particularly for smaller operators who rely on affordable vehicle options.

“However, continued progress will depend on the right conditions being in place – including reliable charging infrastructure, clear policy direction and ongoing support for operators making the switch. The momentum is clearly building, and it’s vital that industry and government work together to sustain it.”