August was a strong month for electric van uptake – according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) – with registrations rising 25.9% to 2,395 units and a record 16.3% market share, although August’s typically low overall volumes can exaggerate percentage shifts.
Despite EVs accounting for more than two in three van models on sale, substantial manufacturer discounts and government incentives, year to date market share is still just 11.0% – less than half of the 24% ZEV Mandate target for 2026.
With higher upfront purchase costs, insufficient charging provisions and wider operating pressures continuing to hold back demand, the SMMT says the government’s recently announced review of the mandate is timely.
UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations rose 0.6% in August to 14,445 units, with large vans driving the overall growth.
While August is typically a lower-volume month, with buyers often postponing purchases until the September numberplate change, the market still recorded its fifth consecutive month of growth. As a result, year-to-date registrations reached 201,671 units, up 4.0% on the first eight months of 2025.
Large vans rose for a ninth month, by 5.2% to 10,943 units. The medium- and small-sized van segments, however, both fell, by -3.9% and -15.1% to 2,289 and 299 units respectively. Pickups recorded the steepest decline of -61.2% to 404 units, down to just 2.8% of the market following last year’s reclassification of double cab pickups for Benefit in Kind purposes.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “August’s traditionally low volumes often lead to market volatility – and while a record market share for electric vans should rightly be celebrated, September will show the reality of the transition as the new numberplate drives greater volume. With EV demand remaining drastically adrift of mandate targets, government’s decision to bring forward its review is essential, and meaningful change will be required to sustain a market that keeps the economy moving. Reforming the regulation to align with market conditions will drive investment, protect the UK’s competitiveness and deliver a transition that benefits everyone.”
