CV sales surge as electric vehicles experience significant growth

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales increased by 44.2% in July, marking the best July since 2020. Demand for new vans, pickups, and 4x4s rose, contributing to the growth. Additionally, there was a significant rise in registrations of battery electric vans (BEVs), with a 94.6% increase to 1,489 units. However, the market share for BEVs slightly decreased from 5.4% to 5.2% in the year to date.

FutureCar Staff Aug 17, 2023 12:29 AM PT

CV sales surge as electric vehicles experience significant growth

The number of UK light commercial vehicles (LCV) registered in the UK grew for the seventh consecutive month in July, increasing by 44.2% to 26,990 units.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this is the best July since 2020.

Registrations were also up 4.4% compared with pre-pandemic 2019 volumes, a result of rising demand for new vans, pickups, and 4x4s and the easing of supply chain issues constraining production.

Meanwhile, the demand for zero-emission commercial vehicles continued to grow. Battery electric vans (BEVs) saw a significant increase, soaring 94.6% to 1,489 units, and capturing a 5.5% market share, up from 4.1% last year.

In the year to date, there have been 10,292 BEVs registered, marking a 16.1% increase compared to the previous year. However, the market share has slightly decreased from 5.4% to 5.2%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, expressed his satisfaction with the van sales, stating that they have surpassed even pre-pandemic levels. He also emphasized the need for greater electric vehicle (EV) adoption, urging urgent action to reduce energy costs and enhance the provision of dedicated van charging infrastructure. These measures are crucial to boost operator confidence and meet the unique requirements of this sector. Furthermore, next year will see a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate with minimum sales targets for every brand, making it even more important to address these challenges.