Registrations of electric vans saw further growth in March as businesses renewing their fleets look to meet tighter air quality regulations in urban areas.

Registrations of electric vans in March rose by 17.7% year-on-year to 1,909 units

New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show eLCV registrations rose by 17.7% year-on-year to 1,909 units last month. This compares to a 29.4% fall in diesel-engined vans.  

Year-to-date, electric van uptake increased by 68.9%, giving a market share of 5.8% – more than double a year ago but still some distance behind fully electric passenger cars. 

The rises come as supply and delivery issues continue to hamper the new van sector, including the global shortage of semiconductors. March registrations for new LCVs were down 27.6% on 2021 and 38.6% on pre-pandemic 2019. 

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The light commercial vehicle market has made a slower start to 2022 compared with the first quarter of last year, reflecting the cyclical nature of fleet operator investment, amid global supply shortages and increasing economic pressures. Targeted support from government is needed to encourage fleet renewal and a full zero-emission van market. The expansion of the Plug-in Van Grant will be a positive for the sector, but equally there needs to be a greater roll-out of suitable charge points to ensure fleet and self-employed van operators in all regions can make the transition.”