September best month ever for electric-van uptake

New electric van (EV) registrations continued strong growth in sales in September, rising 41.1% year-on-year to 4,262 units – the most ever recorded in a single month, achieving a market share of 8.9%, according to SMMT figures.

Year-to-date BEV volumes now stand at 22,118 units, up 55.9% on 2024 to represent 9.1% of all new registrations. It is impressive growth in a tough year for the overall market, but still well below the 16% share mandated for 2025. 

Overall, sales of  vans, pickups and 4x4s dipped by -2.1% in September with 47,418 registered. 

The modest drop continues 2025’s downward trend, with registrations down -9.8% year to date, which the SMMT says is down to reflecting a tough economic environment and weak business confidence. The performance, however, is the smallest decline this year and still remains above pre-pandemic levels.

Segment performance was mixed, with the overall decline softened by a rise in deliveries of the largest vans, up 3.2% to 32,670 units – the largest segment by volume, representing almost seven in 10 (68.9%) registrations. Demand for new pickups and the smallest sized vans also grew, up 7.8% and 1.9% to 5,749 and 1,202 units respectively, as previous new pickup orders were delivered before government’s new fiscal measures on double-cabs are applied to orders placed after April. Medium-sized van uptake fell, by -25.1% to 7,150 units, while 4×4 uptake declined by -13.4% to 647 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: "September is one of the busiest months for the new van market so a slight dip in volumes compared with previous strong years is disappointing but unsurprising. The growth in electric van uptake is hugely encouraging, but the market is under pressure to deliver the investment necessary for decarbonisation. Manufacturers are delivering a huge choice of models to suit all businesses – now we need better dedicated infrastructure and continuing incentives to drive the switch."