Electric van uptake grew for second consecutive month in November 2024

Although market share for electric vehicles rose from 6.1% to 7.7%, government has mandated that 10% of each brand’s new van registrations must be zero emission this year.

Year-to-date market share has slightly declined compared with 2023, from 5.9% to 5.8%.

Under the ZEV mandate, however, the Government has stipulated that 10% of each brand’s new van registrations must be zero emission in 2024 and year-to-date market share has reversed compared with 2023, down from 5.9% to 5.8%.

The latest market outlook expects volume growth of more than 85% in 2025 – but this would still leave the BEV share of the market at just 10.6% next year against a mandated target of 16%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The UK light commercial vehicle market continues to build back after a challenging start to the year, delivering its best performance since 2021 and the unleashing of pent-up demand. 

“Britain’s appetite for zero emission vans continues to lag behind government ambition, however, and market share this year is heading in the wrong direction. 

“With warnings over UK competitiveness now translating into tangible impacts, a fast-tracked review of market regulation is essential to ensure manufacturers can deliver the choice, growth and decarbonisation the nation needs.” 

Logistics UK's Deputy Director - Policy, Michelle Gardner commented: "The logistics sector is committed to decarbonising, but this must be a fair transition that keeps costs down for businesses, public services and households while maintaining resilient supply chains. 

“The only way to achieve that is through partnership, with a plan co-developed between businesses and government to get to net zero and phase out fossil fuels.  

“Logistics UK has been calling for an agreed and co-created logistics roadmap to net zero to help support the industry to decarbonise. As a partner of the Zero Emission Van Plan, we have been seeking urgent steps from government, including removing regulatory barriers, to help more fleets transition to EVs. 

“A simple legislative change requiring no infrastructure would be to align 4.25 tonne electric vans with 3.5 tonne diesel vans. The batteries in electric vans make them heavier than the equivalent sized diesel vans, meaning operators that make the switch are exposed to costly licensing, more expensive MOTs and drivers’ hours rules designed for HGVs.  

“Aligning electric and diesel vans would help remove the regulatory barriers that are currently limiting the uptake of electric commercial vehicles. 

“In addition,” continues Gardner, “Logistics UK would like to see government backing for a dedicated HGV public charging infrastructure for electric trucks, to make mid and long-haul viable, as well as a dedicated HGV public hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.” 

Across the van sector, the new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market recorded its fourth consecutive month of growth as registrations rose by 10.5% in November. The latest market outlook expects volume growth of more than 85% in 2025. 

It was the second biggest November recorded in the history of the LCV market, with 30,300 new vans, pick-ups and 4x4s registered. 

Small van volumes were up 128.6% to 999 units, medium vans rose by 9.8% to 4,999 units, and large van volumes increased by 13.5% to 20,504 units. 

Registrations of 4x4s increased by 33.4% to 786 units, but pick-up registrations fell by -20.4% to 3,012 units. 

Double-cab pick-ups are to be taxed as cars for benefit in kind and capital allowances purposes after April 2025. Businesses that rely on these vehicles, such as construction, farming, utilities businesses and the self-employed will face further cost pressure. 

More from The Green Miles: Van Policy Working Group discusses the Non-Zero-Emission Van Registration Trading Scheme

Published On: 03/01/2025 14:26:22