The latest figures from SMMT show that 14,365 new vans, pickups and 4x4s were registered last month – more than 2,200 fewer than in August 2024 – extending a losing streak that has seen volumes fall every month this year. While demand declined across all segments, electric vans continued to gain ground, with registrations more than doubling year on year.
Chart by SMMT
Amid subdued business confidence, every category of LCV posted losses in August. The largest vans (2.5–3.5 tonnes) slipped 11.5% to 10,398 units but still accounted for more than 72% of the market. Medium vans (2.0–2.5t) dropped 14% to 2,383, while small vans fell 17.6% to just 352. Pickups suffered the steepest fall, down 25.8% to 1,040 units, a decline attributed to the reclassification of double-cab pickups as cars for tax purposes introduced in April.
Infographics by SMMT
Diesel dominance erodes
Diesel vehicles, which continue to dominate the sector, declined sharply. Registrations fell 20.7% to 12,071, cutting their market share from 91.7% last year to 82.3%. Alternative fuels grew 48.9% but remain a marginal part of the market at under 5%.
Chart by SMMT
By contrast, battery electric vans (BEVs) recorded a 109.5% surge in August, reaching 1,902 units and securing 13% of the market – the highest monthly share on record. Cumulative BEV volumes are up 59.9% this year at 17,856, equivalent to a 9.1% share, though still short of the government’s 16% mandate for 2025.
SMMT warned that weak charging infrastructure risks undermining progress. While more than 40 BEV models are now available, many operators lack access to on-street charging, and depot connections can face grid delays of up to 15 years. The trade body has urged government to give depots the same planning priority as data centres and renewable projects to ensure timely electrification.
Ford leads shrinking market
Year-to-date LCV registrations total 195,337, down 11% on 2024. Rolling-year volumes have slipped to 326,796, the lowest since 2021. Ford remains the market leader, with the Transit Custom topping both August (1,850 units) and the year so far (30,460).
Chart by SMMT
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, described August as “conventionally a low-volume month” and pointed to September – the industry’s second-busiest month – as pivotal.
“A thriving market is essential for decarbonisation, given the vast choice of electric van models already available to suit almost every need,” he said.
