UK van registrations rise 4.8% in September as electric van uptake hits record but stays below ZEV Mandate target
SMMT figures show 49,704 vans, pickups and 4x4s joined UK roads last month, the sixth straight monthly rise, while battery electric van registrations reached a record 4,832 units - still less than half the 24% share required under the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.
The UK new light commercial vehicle market rose 4.8% in September 2026 to 49,704 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, marking the sixth consecutive month of growth and the highest monthly volume of the year.
Battery electric van registrations rose 13.4% to a record 4,832 units, giving BEVs a 9.6% share of the September market. SMMT said that figure, along with a 10.8% year-to-date share, leaves the proportion of operators switching to electric vans "significantly adrift" of the 24% target set under the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.
Large vans between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes drove most of the volume growth, up 11.1% to 36,302 units. The biggest percentage increase came from 4x4s, where demand more than tripled, up 221.3% to 2,079 units, which SMMT attributed to bumper fleet orders. Pickup registrations continued to fall sharply, down 53.8% to 2,658 units, following last year's tax reclassification of double-cab pickups as cars for benefit-in-kind and capital allowance purposes.
SMMT said more than 40 different battery electric van models are now available, supported by the Plug-in Van Grant, which it said are capable of meeting the majority of fleet operator needs. However, it said higher upfront vehicle costs and the cost of depot upgrades remain major barriers to uptake, and called for sustained support through the Plug-in Van Grant and Depot Charging Scheme, alongside faster public and depot chargepoint rollout via the GB Grid initiative.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "September’s record electric van uptake shows manufacturers are delivering, with investment in new models and substantial discounts helping operators make the switch. Yet, even with high fuel prices, demand remains less than half the mandated level due to higher purchase costs, grid delays and a shortage of van-suitable charging. Government’s regulatory review must deliver a realistic trajectory, matched by the right support and infrastructure – giving manufacturers and operators the certainty to invest, renew their fleets and cut emissions."
Year to date, the LCV market is up 4.2% to 251,375 units, with BEV van registrations up 23.7% to 27,359 units. The Ford Transit Custom remained the best-selling van in September, with 8,900 units, and the year's top seller overall with 39,363 units.
Sources
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