Electric van registrations reached a new monthly record in September, but battery-electric models still accounted for less than half the market share required under the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show the overall UK light commercial vehicle market grew by 4.8% in September, with 49,704 vans, pick-ups and 4x4s registered. It was the sixth consecutive month of growth and the highest monthly volume of 2026.
Battery-electric van registrations increased by 13.4% to 4,832 units, giving electric vans a 9.6% share of the September market. Year-to-date share stands at 10.8%, compared with the 24% target set by the ZEV Mandate.
Large vans were the biggest source of volume growth, rising 11.1% to 36,302 units. Medium van demand increased 2.2% to 7,304, while small vans rose 13.2% to 1,361.
Pick-up registrations continued to fall sharply, dropping 53.8% to 2,658 units following the change in tax treatment for double-cab pick-ups. In contrast, 4x4 registrations more than tripled, rising 221.3% to 2,079 units, which the SMMT attributed to large fleet orders.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the record month for electric vans showed manufacturers were investing in models and discounts, but argued that higher purchase costs, grid delays and a shortage of van-suitable charging continued to restrict demand.
The SMMT is calling for continued support through the Plug-in Van Grant and Depot Charging Scheme, alongside changes to the trajectory of the ZEV Mandate as part of the Government’s regulatory review.
The Ford Transit Custom continued its dominance of the UK van market in September, recording an impressive 8,900 registrations, almost three times as many as its nearest rival.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter took second place with 3,166 registrations, narrowly ahead of the Ford Transit on 2,969. The Renault Trafic secured fourth with 2,371 registrations, just ahead of the Volkswagen Transporter on 2,355.
The Vauxhall Vivaro followed in sixth with 2,264 registrations, ahead of the Peugeot Partner on 2,170. The Volkswagen Crafter, Land Rover Defender and Ford Ranger completed the top ten, with registrations of 1,459, 1,453 and 1,421 respectively.
The Ford Transit Custom remains comfortably Britain’s best-selling van in 2026, with 39,363 registrations in the first nine months of the year. Its lead is substantial, with more than twice the registrations of the second-placed Ford Transit, which has accumulated 17,995 sales.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter occupies third place with 14,297 registrations, ahead of the Volkswagen Transporter on 13,470. The Peugeot Partner completes the top five with 12,231 registrations, making it the highest-ranking small van.
The Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro sit sixth and seventh with 11,732 and 11,191 registrations respectively.
Land Rover Defender's renewed importance as a commercial vehicle, after changes to the double cab pick-up tax, means that it narrowly leads the Ford Ranger in eighth and ninth, with just five registrations separating the two models. The Citroën Berlingo completes the top ten with 6,636 registrations.
