EV demand rises as LCV sales increase
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew for the eighth consecutive month in August, rising five per cent to 16,303 units.
According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the market for medium-sized vans drove growth in the month, surging 72.1% to 2,718 units with 4x4s and pickups also proving popular, demand rising 163.9% and 22.3% respectively to a combined 1,693 units.
Battery electric van registrations grew 18.9% to 1,122 units to take a 6.9% market share in August, while 11,414 zero emission electric vans have been registered so far this year, up 16.4% on the same period in 2022.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive,said: “Another month of growth for new van sales is good news and a sign that the market is well on the way to recovery. That more operators are choosing electric models is also positive, given the massive investments made by van makers into these vehicles, including at plants in the UK. Diesel models, however, still make up more than nine in ten registrations, proof of how far the market must move if it is to decarbonise. With an end of sale dates and a ZEV mandate looming, we must pull every lever to deliver the transition.”
