The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market continued its strong run in September, growing 4.8% year over year as 49,704 new vans, pickups and 4x4s were registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
September marked the sixth consecutive month of LCV market growth and delivered the highest monthly volume of 2026 so far. The traditionally busy month, boosted by the introduction of a new registration plate, even surpassed March, which is typically the industry’s strongest month of the year.
Large vans remained the biggest contributor to overall growth, with registrations increasing 11.1% to 36,302 units. Medium vans rose 2.2% to 7,304 units, while small van registrations jumped 13.2% to 1,361 units.
The standout performer was the 4×4 segment, where demand surged 221.3% to 2,079 units. The dramatic increase was largely driven by major fleet orders.
Pickup registrations, however, continued to struggle. Demand fell 53.8% to 2,658 units, with the market still feeling the impact of last year’s tax reclassification of double-cab pickups as cars for benefit-in-kind and capital allowance purposes.
Electric Van Sales Reach Record High
September brought particularly encouraging news for the UK’s electric commercial vehicle market.
Registrations of new battery electric vans (BEVs) climbed 13.4% to a record 4,832 units, giving electric vans a 9.6% share of the total LCV market during the month.
More than 40 battery electric van models are now available in the UK, giving fleet operators significantly more choice across different vehicle sizes and applications. The Plug-in Van Grant is also helping manufacturers and fleets reduce the cost of switching to electric vehicles.
Despite the record September result, electric vans remain well behind the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate target. BEVs accounted for 10.8% of new LCV registrations during the first nine months of 2026, compared with a mandated target of 24%.
That gap highlights the challenges still facing businesses looking to electrify commercial fleets.
Higher upfront vehicle prices, limited charging infrastructure and the cost of upgrading depots remain major barriers. For many operators, switching an entire van fleet to electric requires not only new vehicles but also significant investment in workplace charging and grid connections.
Charging Infrastructure Remains a Major Barrier
The SMMT says continued government support will be critical if electric van adoption is to accelerate.
The Plug-in Van Grant and Depot Charging Scheme are expected to play an important role in helping businesses overcome the initial cost and infrastructure challenges associated with electric vans. The planned rollout of GB Grid could also help speed up the deployment of public and depot charging infrastructure.
For fleet operators, access to reliable charging can be just as important as the vehicle itself. Vans often operate on fixed routes and schedules, making dependable depot charging particularly valuable.
The industry is therefore calling for the government’s review of the ZEV Mandate to take into account the practical realities of transitioning commercial fleets to zero-emission vehicles.
A more realistic regulatory pathway, combined with financial incentives and faster infrastructure deployment, could give manufacturers and fleet operators greater confidence to invest in electric vans.
Electric Van Market Still Has Significant Room to Grow
September’s record electric van registrations demonstrate that demand can increase when manufacturers offer more models and competitive pricing. However, the 9.6% monthly BEV market share remains less than half of the 24% ZEV Mandate target.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said the latest figures show manufacturers are delivering new electric models and using discounts to encourage businesses to make the switch. However, he warned that higher purchase costs, delays connecting charging infrastructure to the grid and a shortage of suitable charging facilities continue to hold the market back.
The coming months will therefore be important for the UK’s electric commercial vehicle market. With more electric vans arriving and charging infrastructure gradually expanding, the opportunity for faster adoption is growing. Whether the market can close the gap with the ZEV Mandate will depend heavily on vehicle affordability, infrastructure investment and continued government support.
For now, September’s figures provide a positive signal: electric van sales are growing, but the transition is still far from complete.
[source: SMMT]
