The UK new LCV market saw slight year-on-year growth in August, with a record market share going to EVs.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) 14,445 LCVs were registered last month, up by 0.6% compared with August 2025.
Electric LCV registrations saw 25.9% year-on-year growth to 2,395, accounting for a record 16.9% share of the market.
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In terms of bodystyle, vans weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes saw 5.2% year-on-year growth, with 10,943 registrations.
Vans weighing 2.0-2.5 tonnes were down by 3.9% to 2,289, and vans weighing less than two tonnes were down by 15.1%, to 299.
Pick-up truck registrations fell by 61.2% to 404, with the impact of benefit-in-kind tax changes for double cab models continuing to be felt, while 4×4 LCVs were up by 165.6% to 510.
The Ford Transit Custom topped the LCV registrations chart in August, with 1,707 registrations, ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 1,432 and the Volkswagen Transporter with 915.
Completing the top 10 were the Ford Transit (897 registrations), Vauxhall Combo (664), Kia PV5 (572), Vauxhall Vivaro (555), Renault Master (554), Volkswagen ID Buzz (433) and Renault Trafic (406).
September ‘will show reality of transition’
Mike Hawes, chief executive at the SMMT, said: “August’s traditionally low volumes often lead to market volatility – and while a record market share for electric vans should rightly be celebrated, September will show the reality of the transition as the new number plate drives greater volume.
“With EV demand remaining drastically adrift of ZEV mandate targets, Government’s decision to bring forward its review is essential, and meaningful change will be required to sustain a market that keeps the economy moving.
“Reforming the regulation to align with market conditions will drive investment, protect the UK’s competitiveness and deliver a transition that benefits everyone.”
Simon Smith, CEO at EV charging company Voltempo, said: “The strong growth in electric vans is hugely encouraging because it helps solve the chicken-and-egg problem around charging infrastructure.
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“Vans can provide the demand today that makes commercial charging infrastructure viable, while the same sites can be built to support the rapid growth of electric HGVs that will follow.
“Results like these give companies such as Voltempo the confidence to invest ahead of demand. The commercial case for electrification is getting stronger, the infrastructure can be ready, and the direction of travel is clear: the future of road transport is electric.”