The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market recorded another month of growth in October, with electric van registrations reaching their highest-ever October level. Battery-electric van (BEV) demand increased by 58% year over year, highlighting growing interest in zero-emission commercial vehicles despite ongoing challenges surrounding the UK government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate.
According to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 25,510 new vans, pickups and 4x4s were registered in October, representing an 11.4% increase compared with the same month last year. It was the market’s seventh consecutive month of growth.
Year-to-date registrations also remained positive, rising 4.8% to 276,885 units.
Large vans remained the biggest contributor to the expanding UK commercial vehicle market in October. Registrations increased by 12.9% to 18,560 units, accounting for 72.8% of all new LCV registrations.
Medium vans also performed strongly, recording a 14.3% increase to 3,825 units. Meanwhile, 4×4 registrations delivered the largest percentage gain, more than doubling to 899 units, up 104.3% compared with October last year.
However, not every vehicle category experienced growth. Small van registrations declined by 11.7% to 462 units, while pickups fell by 17.7% to 1,764 units.
Pickup demand has been particularly weak throughout 2026. Registrations for the category are down 52.9% compared with the same period in 2025, following tax changes that brought double-cab pickups under car treatment for benefit-in-kind and capital allowance purposes.
One of the most encouraging developments in the latest figures was the continued growth of electric commercial vehicles.
Battery-electric van registrations increased by 58% in October, reaching 3,369 units. This represented a 12.9% share of the overall new LCV market and marked the strongest October performance on record for electric vans.
For the first ten months of 2026, electric vans accounted for 11% of total registrations, reflecting growing adoption among businesses and fleet operators.
The expanding selection of electric commercial vehicles is helping support this transition. More than 40 different zero-emission models are now available, offering businesses a wider choice of vehicles designed to meet different operational requirements.
Government support has also played an important role. The Plug-in Van Grant and Depot Charging Scheme have helped reduce some of the financial barriers associated with switching to electric commercial vehicles.
Nevertheless, manufacturers continue to offer substantial discounts to encourage purchases and avoid potentially significant costs associated with failing to meet the UK’s ZEV Mandate requirements.
Despite the strong October performance, electric van adoption remains considerably below the government’s mandated targets.
The latest industry forecast expects the overall UK new LCV market to grow by 4.2% in 2026, reaching approximately 329,000 registrations. However, battery-electric vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes are expected to account for just 10.4% of the market this year.
That figure is significantly below the 24% ZEV Mandate target for 2026.
The gap is expected to remain substantial over the next two years. Industry projections suggest electric vans will reach a 14.9% market share in 2027 and 18.8% in 2028.
While these figures would represent continued progress, they remain well below the respective mandated targets of 34% and 46%.
This growing difference between actual demand and government requirements is creating uncertainty for manufacturers, dealerships and commercial vehicle operators.
The transition to electric vans involves more than simply expanding the number of available models. Businesses also need reliable charging infrastructure capable of supporting commercial operations.
Depot charging is particularly important for van fleets, many of which return to a central location at the end of each working day. However, lengthy waiting times for grid connections continue to delay the installation of charging facilities.
The availability of suitable public charging infrastructure is another concern. Commercial operators need charging locations that can accommodate larger vehicles and support the practical requirements of business operations.
The SMMT has called for faster investment in charging infrastructure, more accessible purchase incentives and changes to the ZEV Mandate to reflect actual market conditions.
A more realistic regulatory framework could help manufacturers maintain investment in new electric models while giving businesses greater confidence to transition their fleets.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, welcomed the seventh consecutive month of growth in the new van market but warned that the recovery remains fragile.
He highlighted the rapid increase in electric van registrations while pointing out that demand continues to fall considerably short of the government’s expectations.
Hawes also called on the government to introduce meaningful changes to the ZEV Mandate before the end of the year, arguing that minor adjustments would not be enough to address the challenges facing the industry.
According to the SMMT, a more achievable transition strategy is essential to protect investment, maintain competitive model choice and encourage businesses to replace older, more polluting vans with cleaner alternatives.
