UK registrations of new vans rose 5.0% to 16,303 units in August supported by rocketing demand for eLCVs and medium-sized vans.

Battery electric van demand continued to rise in August, up 6.9% to 1,122 units

It’s the eighth consecutive month of growth for the sector, despite August traditionally being a smaller volume month ahead of the September plate change.

Fortunes for the different market segments varied wildly though in the new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Medium-sized vans (over 2.0 and up to 2.5 tonnes) were largely responsible for the growth and surged 72.1% to 2,718 units. 4x4s and pickups also proved popular despite being much smaller markets; demand rose 163.9% and 22.3% respectively to a combined 1,693 units.

But registrations of the largest LCVs (greater than 2.5 and up to 3.5 tonnes) decreased, falling 5.1% to 11,549 units, while small vans (up to and including 2.0 tonnes) were down 30.4% to 343 units.

Battery electric van demand continued to rise, up 18.9% in the month to 1,122 units, giving a 6.9% market share.

Year to date, 11,414 zero emission electric vans have been registered so far in 2023, up 16.4%. Meanwhile overall YtD registrations stand at 213,219, up 19.4% for the first eight months of 2023, as the sector’s recovery gathers pace.

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.”