Electric van rollout stalled in 2024
New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that the electric share of new light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales in 2024 failed to grow at all from the previous year.
This has prompted the body to call for an urgent review of regulation into the barriers preventing the growth of electric vehicles in the sector.
Over the course of the year, total sales of new light commercial vehicles in the UK topped 350,000, a rise of 3.0% over the previous year.
This growth was also reflected in sales of electric LCVs, which grew 3.3% on the 2023 figure however, this failed to increase its market share in the sector, which remainined at just 6.3%. The SMMT point out that as 2024 was the first year of the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, this is especially worrying.
Nor were buyers short of electric vehicles to choose from. In light of the ZEV mandate, manufacturers had swollen the range of electric vans available, with over half the new models on the market last year being electric – a total of 33 out of 66 models.
The figure is so far short of the 10% ZEV mandate target for 2024 that SMMT predict that in a beast case scenario – in which demand rises by over 85% in 2025 – the UK’s BEV share would reach just 10.6%, some way off the 16% target.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, ‘Vans, 4x4s and pick-ups keep businesses everywhere on the move, making this sector a barometer of the UK economy. The best overall volume in three years, therefore, is good news with van makers striving to deliver abundant and competitive EV choice. Buyer confidence, however, will inevitably be undermined when charging infrastructure does not meet the needs of fleet operations. A review of EV regulation is crucial, therefore, to reflect current market realities and ensure ambitions are deliverable, without any negative and costly consequences.’
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association said: ‘NFDA welcomes the inclusion of a section for vans in the Government’s consultation launched last month, which seeks views on proposals to support the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles. The needs of van operators differ significantly from those of car users and greater attention must be given to on-street charging infrastructure, as many van drivers lack access to home charging facilities.’
