Electric vehicle van sales enjoy 10% growth
Electric vehicle van sales rose almost three quarters in July to account for 14.7% of the market, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Year-to-date growth of electric vans is now above 10% compared to 4.3% growth for the overall market.
However, this still remains well below the ZEV Mandate with the SMMT now urging the government to set more realistic targets as part of its review.
SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said: “Despite a record-high year-to-date EV share of 10.6%, it is less than half this year’s mandated target of 24%, while next year’s target of 34% races even further ahead.
“It is timely therefore that government has brought forward its review of the regulation, which is an opportunity to set realistic targets that are aligned with the market and manufacturing realities which industry faces.
“The current trajectory was designed on the basis of optimistic expectations of market conditions that have not come to pass, particularly energy prices, infrastructure roll-out and operator demand. Fleet operators still face higher upfront costs and charging challenges, along with practical concerns about payload and range. Coupled with the slim operating margins which are commonplace in logistics, operators are struggling to transition at mandated levels.”
Hawes continued: “With government still committed to achieving 100% zero emission new van sales by 2035, the consultation will consider adjusting the trajectory up to that point – and it must be meaningful, aligning ambition with market reality, looking beyond marginal adjustments, and considering the whole ecosystem.”
