LCV sales rose in 2024 but EV challenges remain
LCV sales rose in 2024 by three per cent, according to new figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
It found that 351,834 new vans, pick-ups and 4x4s were sold across the year, after a bumper December when 27,221 new units were registered.
Vans in the largest weight class rose most significantly, up 2.1% to account for 66.3% of the market.
Meanwhile, medium and small van sales were up 12.3% and 44.5% respectively to 65,148 and 8,606 units, while deliveries of 4x4s were down by 9.7% to 7,282 units and pick-up sales fell by 8.3% to 37,582 new registrations.
However, across the entire sector, uptake of electric vans remains sluggish with sales up by just 3.3% to 22,155 units, which represents only 6.3% of the market. This is the same proportion as 2023 and highlights the challenges posed by the ZEV Mandate.
Heavy manufacturer investment saw the variety of EV models available in the UK rise to 33 during 2024, but development of van-dedicated public chargepoints has not matched this growth, undermining fleet confidence in the commercial viability of going electric.
As such, EV sales remained well short of the 10% ZEV Mandate target last year and even an anticipated 85% rise in demand during 2025 will take the ratio to 10.6%, which is well short of the required 16%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, 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.”
