LCV Registrations Rise 11.4% in October as Electric Van Demand Grows

New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that 25,510 new LCVs were registered during October, an increase of 11.4% compared with the same month last year.

Large vans continued to dominate the market, with registrations climbing 12.9% to 18,560 units, representing almost three-quarters of total sales. Medium-sized vans also performed strongly, increasing 14.3% to 3,825 units.

However, the picture was less encouraging elsewhere. Small van registrations declined 11.7%, while pick-up sales fell 17.7%, reflecting the continuing impact of changes to vehicle taxation. Meanwhile, 4x4 registrations more than doubled, rising 104.3%.

Electric vans gain momentum

Battery-electric vans delivered one of the month’s strongest performances, with registrations increasing 58% to 3,369 units, the highest October total on record. This represented a 12.9% share of the overall LCV market.

Despite this progress, electric vans account for just 11% of registrations so far this year, significantly below the government’s 24% Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate target for 2026.

Total LCV registrations for the first ten months reached 276,885 units, up 4.8% year-on-year.

Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), welcomed the sustained market recovery but warned that the transition to zero-emission vehicles remains challenging.

The NFDA is calling for more realistic ZEV targets, greater investment in charging infrastructure and additional support for businesses transitioning to electric fleets.

With electric van registrations accelerating but still lagging behind mandated levels, the figures underline the growing disconnect between regulatory ambitions and the commercial realities facing UK van operators.