The UK new light commercial vehicle market posted its 17th consecutive month of growth in May, as registrations rose by 1.9% to reach 25,853 units.

The transition to zero-emission vehicles is not meeting the pace required for ZEV mandate targets

The result was the strongest performance for the month since 2021, when the market saw the best May performance in history as commercial vehicle demand accelerated in the wake of the pandemic.

The latest growth was fuelled mainly by midsize vans, over 2.0 tonnes and up to 2.5 tonnes, which rose 8.1%, according to the new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Light vans weighing less than 2.0 tonnes recorded the largest proportional growth, rising 55.7%. This market segment is however subject to volatility due to low volumes.

The 4×4 market, also subject to the same small volume variations, recorded a decline of 15.0%, while pickups grew by 4.1%.

Large vans weighing more than 2.5 tonnes up to 3.5 tonnes saw a slight decline of 0.8% but continued to account for the vast majority of the market (65.9%).

The year-to-date figures show increases in registrations for all vehicle segments – and also reveal that the transition to zero-emission vehicles is also keeping up but not at the pace required to meet ZEV mandate targets.

Battery electric van (BEV) rose 3.5% in May to achieve a 4.2% market share – almost unchanged from last year’s 4.1%. And for the year to date, overall BEV uptake has fallen 2.1%, delivering a 4.8% market share, down from 5.2% and showing a major shortfall from the ZEV mandate target of 10% for each individual brand.

The SMMT pointed out that there are now more than 25 zero-emission models now available and a wealth of purchase offers from manufacturers – and said the next government will need to enact measures to help UK businesses go zero emission, by sustaining existing fiscal incentives for electric and hydrogen vans, and ensuring the provision of van-specific charging infrastructure.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The UK van market’s 17-month run of growth is playing a crucial part in renewing the fleet with the latest, cleanest vehicles. However, convincing businesses that now is the time to switch to zero-emission operations remains a challenge.

“With an expanding choice for every use case now available, the next government must take steps to recharge the zero-emission van market, an essential part of the net zero economy every party wants.”

Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commented: “It is evident that the new electric van market requires government support, particularly since its market share remains lower than it was at this same point last year.

“As such, there are certainly areas in the van market which will need addressing from the next government. Yesterday, NFDA released its 2024 general election manifesto, which includes removing unfair regulations for heavier, electric vans and increasing HGV MOT capacity by introducing delegated testing.

“It is crucial that the next government incentivises and increases consumer confidence in electric vans, particularly amidst ZEV mandate targets.”