Demand for electric vans continues to rise

Sales were up 40.3% to 4,215 units – a new monthly high.

The very latest, net-zero frindly models have taken 8.3% of the market in the first three months of 2025, up 2.8 percentage points on the same period last year – impressive growth thanks to immense manufacturer investment to offer more than half of all van models on the UK market as zero emission.

UK deliveries of new non-EV light commercial vehicles (LCVs), however, dipped by -3.2% in March with 51,221 vans, 4x4s and pick-ups joining UK roads. The decline, while compared with a particularly strong March last year, was the fourth consecutive monthly fall in new LCV market activity as weak business confidence continues to hold back investment in the very latest models.

The Plug-in Van Grant remains fundamental to supporting current levels of operator uptake of electric vans, however, current levels are little more than half the 16% zero emission market share which government has mandated for 2025.

Success, therefore, requires urgent action to encourage more operators to switch, including guarantees that LCV-suitable infrastructure will be ramped up, along with workable regulation that ensures market growth and decarbonisation.

Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director – Policy said: “While the SMMT's figures are encouraging, there are still significant barriers preventing more widespread adoption of zero tailpipe emission vans and our members cite increased vehicle costs, lack of usable public charging, the time and cost of installing infrastructure at depots and higher regulatory burdens.

“These are practical concerns that need to be addressed, and we continue to urge government to work closely with the logistics industry and give operators the confidence to invest in green fleets while ensuring the resilience of the UK’s supply chains moving and delivering the goods that we all rely on every day.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Vans, pick-ups and 4x4s are critical for business operations across the UK so four months of falling investment is concerning and reflects weak confidence, with further constraints set to impact the pick-up segment.

"It is positive, however, that electric uptake continues to rise thanks to growing model choice. Even so, with demand still well below 2025 ambitions, suitably bold plans for infrastructure rollout and workable regulation are needed to grow operator confidence and the investment that is needed.”