A bumper plate-change September drove the UK’s new light commercial vehicle market up 4.8% to 49,704 units, but a wide gap remains between surging electric van volumes and mandatory zero-emission targets.

A total of 49,704 vans, pickups and 4x4s joined the road last month, according to the newly published figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Boosted by the new number plate prefix, September became the highest-volume month of 2026, overtaking March, which is typically the market’s biggest month of the year.

Demand was up for vans of all sizes. Large models delivered the biggest volume growth, up 11.1% to 36,302 units, while medium and small van uptake rose by 2.2% and 13.2% to 7,304 and 1,361 units respectively.

The biggest percentage growth came from 4x4s, where demand more than tripled (221.3%) to 2,079 units, driven by bumper fleet orders.

But pickup demand continued to decline sharply, more than halving (-53.8%) to 2,658 units following last year’s tax reclassification of double-cab pickups as cars for Benefit-in-Kind and Capital Allowance purposes.

More positively, September marked the best-ever month for new battery electric van (BEV) uptake – rising 13.4% to reach a record 4,832 units. However, with a market share of 9.6% in September and 10.8% in the year to date, take-up remains significantly adrift of the 24% target set by the ZEV mandate.

Manufacturers are driving demand with over 40 battery electric van (BEV) models capable of meeting most fleet needs, all backed by the Plug-in Van Grant. However, high upfront vehicle costs and necessary depot upgrades remain significant barriers to adoption.

The SMMT said sustained funding through the Plug-in Van Grant and the Depot Charging Scheme is crucial to overcoming these hurdles.

The trade body also highlighted that the launch of GB Grid has the potential to accelerate public and depot charge point rollout, making the switch accessible to more operators sooner.

But it warned that delivering these measures will take time and called for the Government’s review of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate to reflect this.

The SMMT wants targets to align with “long-term realities of the van transition” to “help create a viable market, provide the certainty needed for investment, protect model choice, and ensure older vehicles are replaced with the latest carbon-saving technology”.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “September’s record electric van uptake shows manufacturers are delivering, with investment in new models and substantial discounts helping operators make the switch. Yet, even with high fuel prices, demand remains less than half the mandated level due to higher purchase costs, grid delays and a shortage of van-suitable charging. Government’s regulatory review must deliver a realistic trajectory, matched by the right support and infrastructure – giving manufacturers and operators the certainty to invest, renew their fleets and cut emissions.”

Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), echoed the sentiment, saying: “With BEV market share remaining below regulatory targets due to higher upfront costs and infrastructure delays, practical support such as the Plug-in Van Grant and depot charging infrastructure remains vital. The NFDA urges government to ensure long-term policy certainty and realistic regulatory frameworks to give commercial vehicle operators the confidence to invest and renew their fleets.”