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Electric vans bucked the downward trend in the UK light commercial vehicle market in November. Sales volume increased by 25.3 percent to 2,909 units, securing a share of 12.3 percent, while total registrations fell by 22.2 percent to 23,570 units. These models thus record the strongest monthly performance in 2025.
Since the beginning of the year, sales of battery electric vehicles have increased by 44.7 percent to 27,159 units, but the segment’s market share of 9.4 percent remains well below the government’s target of 16 percent, Electrive reports.
The broader market continued to shrink, with year-to-date registrations down 11.4 percent compared to 2024.
All major light commercial vehicle segments saw declines, including large vans, whose sales fell 19.7 percent but still accounted for nearly 70 percent of total sales. The contrast with the growth of electric vehicles highlights the role of electric models in supporting fleet renewal even amid broader economic pressures.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), manufacturers have expanded their range of electric vehicles to more than 40 models, but the industry faces constant obstacles. These include higher production costs, long grid connection times at depots, and limited public charging infrastructure suitable for vans. Government measures such as extending the grant for plug-in vans, a new depot charging program, and proposed planning reforms are expected to support further take-up, but the industry is stressing the need for timely implementation.
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