The UK new gentle industrial automobile (LCV) market has risen for the sixth consecutive month, rising by 31.0% to 34,630 items in the perfect June since 2019, based on the most recent 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 yr, as as soon as persistent provide chain shortages ease.

Registrations of the most important 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 development, demand for battery electrical vans (BEVs) fell -11.9% within the month to 1,775 items, even with a rising variety of fashions in the marketplace. This brings the full of all electrical vans registered up to now this yr to eight,803 items, a yr on yr improve of 703 however a market share decline to five.2% within the yr up to now.¹ Provided that industrial autos are integral to holding Britain on the transfer and topic to the identical finish of sale date because the a lot additional progressed passenger automotive market, pressing motion is required to speed up uptake forward of a zero emission automobile mandate set to be applied in simply six months’ time.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Govt, mentioned,

As we attain the yr’s halfway mark, the surge in gentle industrial automobile registrations is nice 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, nonetheless, very regarding. Regardless of the continued availability of the plug-in van grant, extra must be accomplished to provide operators the boldness to make the change. This implies a long-term plan which helps buy and helps overcome among the obstacles to the set up of van-suitable charging infrastructure, given the distinctive wants of this sector.

The paucity of charging factors which are appropriate in each measurement and placement for van use stays a significant impediment to the take up of those new expertise autos. Cost level operators need to make investments however obstacles comparable to an outdated planning system and delays to grid connections have to be overcome to make sure infrastructure may 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 doable.

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

SOURCE: SMMT