The UK new gentle industrial car (LCV) market has risen for the sixth consecutive month, rising by 31.0% to 34,630 items in the perfect June since 2019, in keeping with the newest figures revealed as we speak by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT). 169,926 new vans, pickups and 4x4s have been registered within the first half of 2023, up 17.7% in contrast with the identical interval final 12 months, as as soon as persistent provide chain shortages ease.

Registrations of the biggest LCVs, weighing better than 2.5 to three.5 tonnes, rose by 15.6% to 23,640 items to account for 68.3% of the market in June, whereas registrations of medium-sized vans weighing greater than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes reached 6,291 items, up 160.8%. Conversely, lighter vans weighing lower than or equal to 2.0 tonnes fell -42.8%, the one phase to say no and the one which has seen demand persistently fall as operators favour bigger workhorses with the potential for better value efficiencies. Pickups and 4x4s, in the meantime, elevated by 40.8% and 180.1% respectively.

Regardless of total progress, demand for battery electrical vans (BEVs) fell -11.9% within the month to 1,775 items, even with a rising variety of fashions available on the market. This brings the entire of all electrical vans registered to this point this 12 months to eight,803 items, a 12 months on 12 months enhance of 703 however a market share decline to five.2% within the 12 months to this point.¹ Provided that industrial automobiles are integral to holding Britain on the transfer and topic to the identical finish of sale date because the a lot additional progressed passenger automobile market, pressing motion is required to speed up uptake forward of a zero emission car mandate set to be applied in simply six months’ time.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Govt, mentioned,

As we attain the 12 months’s halfway mark, the surge in gentle industrial car registrations is sweet information and delivers continued optimism to the market. The autumn in electrical van uptake simply on the time after we want it to develop is, nevertheless, very regarding. Regardless of the continued availability of the plug-in van grant, extra must be executed to offer operators the arrogance to make the change. This implies a long-term plan which helps buy and helps overcome a few of the obstacles to the set up of van-suitable charging infrastructure, given the distinctive wants of this sector.

The paucity of charging factors which can be appropriate in each dimension and placement for van use stays a serious impediment to the take up of those new expertise automobiles. Cost level operators need to make investments however obstacles similar to an outdated planning system and delays to grid connections have to be overcome to make sure infrastructure might be constructed forward of want. With excessive power costs additionally a deterrent to the transition, pressing measures to drive down the price of charging are required to allow the change to be as value efficient as attainable.

1. 12 months-to-date, June 2022: 5.6%

SOURCE: SMMT