Today SMMT published the UK’s latest market data for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs), showing 22,796 vans, 4x4s and pick-ups joined UK roads in May – a decline of 11.8% on the same month year. It is the market’s sixth monthly fall in a row as weak business confidence means fleets continue to hold back on investment, with overall demand -11.5% down in 2025 so far.
There was reduced demand across all van segments besides 4x4s, including a -12.7% slowdown in new pickup registrations – not helped by the April introduction of new fiscal measures to treat double-cabs as cars for benefit in kind and capital allowance purposes. There is good news, however, as battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales continue to gather pace with 1,731 registered in May. That’s up by 50.0% compared with the same month last year and means more than 10,500 zero emission vans – weighing up to 4.25 tonnes – have joined UK fleets this year.
Despite that impressive achievement, the BEV market share is just 8.2% – little more than half the 16% which government has mandated in 2025. As SMMT set out at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, bold actions to accelerate infrastructure rollout are urgently needed to give more fleets the confidence they need in chargepoint access.
Forward thinking policies are crucial to unlock zero emission demand and meet the UK’s ambitious regulation, and one such measure will take effect on 10 June with an amendment to derogation for driving 4.25-tonne alternative fuelled vehicles. The change will allow zero emission battery electric vans and hydrogen powered vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes – equipped with the very latest, safest technology – to be driven without additional five-hour training.
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has confirmed the measure also applies to D1 Minibuses, with certain rules – such as being aged 21 or over and driving for a non-commercial operation, like a charity or education organisation. These measures will safely help to remove major barriers for organisations such as schools, colleges and charities, which have a limited supply of drivers and resources but want decarbonise their communities.
Government also recently ran a consultation on further changes to flexibilities on running 4.25-tonne zero emission vehicles, such as removing the need for tachographs and changes to the MOT testing regimes, and we hope legislation will be presented on these soon.
