CV sales soar as EVs enjoy sharp rise
The number of UK light commercial vehicles (LCV) registered in the UK grew for the seventh consecutive month in July, increasing by 44.2% to 26,990 units.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this is the best July since 2020.
Registrations were also up 4.4% compared with pre-pandemic 2019 volumes, a result of rising demand for new vans, pickups and 4x4s and the easing of supply chain issues constraining production.
Meanwhile, demand for zero emission commercial vehicles continued to grow with battery electric vans (BEVs) soaring 94.6% to 1,489 units and a 5.5% market share – up from 4.1% last year. So far in 2023, 10,292 BEVs have been registered, an increase of 16.1% year on year, although market share has decreased marginally from 5.4% to 5.2% in the year to date.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Following a solid first half, van sales have enjoyed an extremely positive month, beating even pre-pandemic levels. The challenge now is to deliver even greater EV uptake, which requires urgent action to reduce soaring energy costs and increase the provision of dedicated van charging infrastructure to bolster operator confidence and meet the unique needs of this sector. These are vital hurdles to overcome, more so given next year will see a ZEV mandate with minimum sales targets for every brand.”
