Electric van demand doubles in August as overall market declines

There has been more than double (109.5%) battery electric vans registered this August compared with the same month last year, according to the SMMT.

1,902 battery electric vans were sold in August 2025, taking the market share to a new monthly record of 13.0%. 

While the overall market year to date is -11.4%, new BEV uptake has risen by 59.9% – to comprise 9.1% of the overall market. However, the SMMT warns that this share remains some distance below the 16% mandated target, highlighting the need to increase market confidence.

Overall, the UK demand for new vans decreased by -13.3% in August, with 14,365 new vans, pickups and 4x4s joining UK roads.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "August is conventionally a low volume month for the new LCV market so while the continued decline is disappointing, the focus is on September to deliver the fleet investment and growth that would reflect a healthy business environment. A thriving market is also essential for decarbonisation, given the vast choice of electric van models already available to suit almost every need. Manufacturers need greater volumes to ensure investment in innovation continues unabated."