The UK new LCV market grew for the sixth month in a row in September, with registrations up by 4.8% year-on-year.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which has published the data, said the total of 49,704 registrations was the highest yet seen during 2026 – exceeding even March, traditionally the month of the year with the highest volume.
The September total included 4,832 EVs – a new record high, although the SMMT noted that the corresponding 9.6% market share was still less than half the 24% required by the UK Government’s ZEV mandate.
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In September, the big-selling 2.5-3.5-tonne van segment recorded 11.1% year-on-year growth. to 36,302 registrations, while vans weighing 2.0-2.5 tonnes were up by 2.2%, to 7,304 registrations, and vans weighing less than 2.0 tonnes were up by 13.2%, to 1,361.
Pick-up truck registrations continue to fall heavily, down by 53.8% to 2,658 registrations, while 4×4 LCV registrations grew by 221.3%, to 2,079.
ZEV mandate review call reiterated despite charging hope
The SMMT said that, although the Government’s new GB Grid plans may speed up charging infrastructure deployment, this would take time to take effect. It argued that the current ZEV mandate review should take this into account.
Mike Hawes, chief executive at the SMMT, said: “September’s record electric van uptake shows manufacturers are delivering, with investment in new models and substantial discounts helping operators make the switch.
“Yet, even with high fuel prices, demand remains less than half the mandated level due to higher purchase costs, grid delays and a shortage of van-suitable charging.
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“Government’s regulatory review must deliver a realistic trajectory, matched by the right support and infrastructure – giving manufacturers and operators the certainty to invest, renew their fleets and cut emissions.”