Electric van sales end 2024 with slight growth

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales grew slightly, rising by 3.3% to 22,155 units. However, their share of the overall market held steady at 6.3%, indicating a lack of significant momentum in the first year of the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Despite the availability of 33 zero-emission van models — accounting for over half of all new LCV options — fleet operators remain cautious.  

Industry leaders, including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and Logistics UK, have called for a review of the ZEV mandate to ensure it aligns with market realities.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes.  Said: “Vans, 4x4s and pick-ups keep businesses everywhere on the move, making this sector a barometer of the UK economy’

“The best overall volume in three years, therefore, is good news, with van makers striving to deliver abundant and competitive EV choice. Buyer confidence, however, will inevitably be undermined when charging infrastructure does not meet the needs of fleet operations.

“A review of EV regulation is crucial, therefore, to reflect current market realities and ensure ambitions are deliverable, without any negative and costly consequences.”

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.” 

Stellantis leads the electric charge Stellantis retained its position as the UK’s top electric van manufacturer in 2024, selling 7,821 BEVs — more than the second and third-placed manufacturers combined.

This gave the group, represented by Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot, and Vauxhall, a 35.6% share of the electric van market. Peugeot was a standout within the Stellantis portfolio, nearly doubling its eLCV market share to 18.69%. T

he E-Partner was the best-selling compact electric van, while the E-Expert secured second place in the medium electric van segment. In total, Peugeot sold 4,105 electric vans in 2024, marking a significant contribution to the group’s overall success.

The company’s partnership with the Royal Mail played a key role, with 2,100 electric vans delivered as part of a long-term supply agreement.

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

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

Published On: 03/02/2025 12:00:00