CV sales rise as electric vehicles surge

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】CV sales in the UK have seen a significant increase, with registrations growing by 44.2% in July compared to last year. This marks the best July since 2020. The demand for zero emission commercial vehicles has also risen, with battery electric vans (BEVs) soaring by 94.6% and capturing a 5.5% market share. However, there is a need for urgent action to address rising energy costs and improve charging infrastructure to further boost EV uptake.

FutureCar Staff Aug 14, 2023 5:10 PM PT

CV sales rise as electric vehicles surge

The number of light commercial vehicles (LCV) registered in the UK continued to rise in July, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. The total number of registered LCVs increased by 44.2% to reach 26,990 units, making it the best July since 2020, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This growth in registrations can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there has been a significant increase in demand for new vans, pickups, and 4x4s. Additionally, the easing of supply chain issues that had previously constrained production has also contributed to the rise in registrations. In fact, registrations in July were up 4.4% compared to pre-pandemic 2019 volumes.

Furthermore, the demand for zero-emission commercial vehicles has continued to soar. Battery electric vans (BEVs) experienced a remarkable increase of 94.6%, with 1,489 units registered in July. This represents a market share of 5.5%, up from 4.1% in the previous year. Although the market share for BEVs has slightly decreased from 5.4% to 5.2% in the year to date, the total number of registered BEVs so far in 2023 has increased by 16.1% compared to the previous year, reaching 10,292 units.

Mike Hawes, the chief executive of SMMT, expressed his optimism about the current state of van sales, stating that they have surpassed even pre-pandemic levels. However, he emphasized the need for urgent action to further increase the adoption of electric vehicles. This includes addressing the issue of soaring energy costs and improving the provision of dedicated van charging infrastructure. These measures are crucial to boost operator confidence and meet the unique needs of the commercial vehicle sector. Additionally, Hawes highlighted that next year will see the implementation of a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which will set minimum sales targets for every brand.