According to figures published on Tuesday 7 May by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) rose by 5.4% in April 2024 – the 16th consecutive month of growth for the sector.
The growth across the market was underpinned by registrations of 15,714 LCV models (up 3.3% compared with April 2023) in the 2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes bracket, accounting for almost two thirds (65.8%) of all LCV registrations.
Deliveries of medium-sized vans grew by 6.8% to 4,611 units, while the biggest percentage increase was for the smallest vans, up 41.1% with 604 units – albeit still representing just 2.5% of the market.
However, the picture is not so rosy for zero emission LCVs, which saw a decline on registrations with battery electric van (BEV) uptake falling to 861 units, down -42.7% compared with last year’s uptick in demand.
This means that BEVs accounted for just 3.6% of all new LCV registrations compared with 6.6% in April last year. The industry’s latest market outlook expects the UK’s new van market to grow by 3.3% to 353,000 units in 2024, while BEV market share has been revised down to 8.3%, from 9.4% in the January outlook.
Denise Beedell, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK said, “The buoyant new van market demonstrates operator confidence in the LCV sector and means that more fuel-efficient models are entering the market.
“However, the continued decline in new battery electric vans (BEVs), must be reversed very soon if we are to meet net zero deadlines.
“This will only happen when fleet operators have confidence that the infrastructure and energy supply for charging eVans will be available and fit for purpose, the appropriate fiscal support is in place and the issues surrounding mismatched regulations for driving 4.25 tonne BEVs have been addressed.
“This month’s figures are a clear indication that Logistics UK’s partnership with BVRLA, AFP, Recharge UK and The EV Café with the Zero Emission Van Plan is vital for ensuring our van fleets are supported to make the transition to zero emission vehicles.”
