CV sales up but EVs making slow progress

Sales of new light commercial vehicles rose by 19.9% in May as the market recorded its 17^th consecutive month of growth.

More than 25,853 units were sold last month, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with growth fuelled by an 8.1% surge in the sale of vans weighing between 2.0t and 2.5t.

Large vans weighing 2.5t up to 3.5t again comprised the vast majority of the market (65.9%), with their sales falling slightly by 0.8%.

In terms of the industry’s shift to electrification, progress is continuing but at a slow pace. The sale of battery electric vans rose 3.5% in May but they still account for just a 4.2% market share, which is almost unchanged from last year’s 4.1%.

Across the year, BEV uptake has actually fallen 2.1%, with market share down from 5.2% to 4.8%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said:

“The UK van market’s 17-month run of growth is playing a crucial part in renewing the fleet with the latest, cleanest vehicles. However, convincing businesses that now is the time to switch to zero emission operations remains a challenge. With an expanding choice for every use case now available, the next government must take steps to recharge the zero-emission van market, an essential part of the net zero economy every party wants.”