LCV registrations drop 15.1% in October

Light commercial van registrations declined 15.1% in October, battery electric van uptake was down 5.8% and demand for new pickups declined by 20.2% – according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).  

Reports have suggested that the government’s plans to introduce a pence per mile taxation on electric vehicles may not include vans, which could help accelerate the adoption of electric vans and assist businesses to meet their net zero mandates.  

This follows a robust September market in which the SMMT recorded the highest monthly volumes for new battery electric vehicles (BEV). 

Year-to-date demand for BEV is up 47.4%, thanks to manufacturers investing heavily in new model rollouts, however BEVs only represented 9.1% of all new registrations in 2025, which is well below the 16% share mark. The SMMT has said urgent action is required to deliver these ambitions, particularly when the mandated share rises to 24% in 2026. 

Declines were recorded across all van sizes during the month, although this was especially apparent with LCVs, down to 16,443 units, which represent the majority (71.8%) of the market. 

There was small growth registered for the 4×4 segment, with registrations increasing by 88% to 440 units, but this was the exception rather than the rule. 

The extension of the Plug-In Van Grant, the new Depot Charging Scheme and last month’s proposal to reform planning rules to make it easier to install private chargers are all positive developments, however planning reform must go further, the SMMT has said. Depot-based operators, for instance, typically face grid connection wait times of up to 15 years; fast-tracking this process like that observed in the data centres or wind farms space would be hugely helpful. 

Looking ahead, the LCV market is expected to grow 4.2% and reach 321,000 units in 2025, a decline of 8.7% compared to last year. The uptake of zero-emission LCVs weighing up to 3.5 tonnes is anticipated to grow by 47% this year, a 9.7% market share which is expected to grow to 14% in 2026. 

Lamech Solomon, Head of Decarbonisation at Logistics UK said: “The dip in commercial van registrations, including battery electric vehicles, is a clear demonstration of how the sector is struggling. 

“A combination of a lack of activity, falling revenue and rising costs have all contributed to this noticeable decline. 

“While we’ve seen positive steps such as the extension of the Plug-In Van Grant and new charging initiatives, uptake for electric vehicles remains well below where it needs to be. 

“For many operators, the barriers are still cost, charging availability and long grid connection times. To accelerate progress, we need a joined-up policy framework that makes battery electric vans not just accessible, but affordable, supported by targeted infrastructure investment and access to cheaper, cleaner energy.”