Record registrations of electric vans seen in 2023

2023 saw record new vehicle registrations for battery electric vans, with more than 20,000 registered according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Across commercial vehicles, businesses and fleets invested in over 340,000 new light commercial vehicles (including pick-ups, 4x4s, vans under 3.5t and rigid body trucks under 6t) in 2023, with battery electric vans accounting for 20,253 of those vehicles. The total number of electric vans on UK roads registered since 2019 is now close to 60,000 vehicles, with sales up more than 20% in 2023.

The SMMT’s latest figures recorded 21% growth in demand for light commercial vehicles in 2023, with every month seeing more businesses investing in fleet renewal compared to the same month in 2022. Registrations of electric vans also grew by 21% and now represents 5.9% of the market, with 28 models available, with December seeing 10% of light commercial vehicle registrations coming from battery electric vans. Overall, the UK is now Europe’s third largest market by volume for electric vans.

2024 has already this year seen new targets for the transition to electric vehicles come into law, and this year van manufacturer sales in the UK have the challenge of battery electric vans accounting for 10% of sales this year. Despite record sales of electric commercial vehicles, market share did not grow relative to traditionally-fuelled counterparts, with the SMMT highlighting a lack of suitable public charging facilities posing the main obstacle to businesses making the switch.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, commented,

“Rising demand for new vans in every month of 2023 – along with record uptake of battery electric vans – is positive news for the UK, given the vital role of these vehicles in keeping businesses and the economy moving. Demand for new vans is also essential for decarbonisation and, as the UK’s ambitious mandate for electric van sales comes into effect, every lever must be pulled to make the switch accessible for fleets in every region. If 2024 is to be the year of the electric van, investment in chargepoint infrastructure is mission-critical – bringing with it the successful green transition and economic growth the nation needs.“