UK demand for brand spanking new gentle business automobiles (LCVs) rose by 5.4% in April as extra companies invested within the newest fashions, in accordance with new figures revealed as we speak by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT)
UK demand for brand spanking new gentle business automobiles (LCVs) rose by 5.4% in April as extra companies invested within the newest fashions, in accordance with new figures revealed as we speak by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT). 23,889 new vans, 4x4s and pickups had been registered, the very best whole for the month since 2021, as fleets invested in automobiles to help native trades, doorstep companies and different more and more important elements of the logistics sector.1
Development throughout the market was underpinned by the long-term reputation of the biggest LCV fashions weighing greater than 2.5 tonnes to three.5 tonnes, up 3.3% to fifteen,714 models – accounting for nearly two thirds (65.8%) of registrations. Deliveries of medium-sized vans grew by 6.8% to 4,611 models, whereas the most important share improve was for the smallest vans, up 41.1% – albeit nonetheless representing simply 2.5% of the market. Decide-up volumes additionally rose, by 16.2% to 2,487 models, whereas deliveries of latest 4x4s fell by -17.6% to 473 models, in contrast with a very sturdy April final 12 months.
Deliveries of the very newest zero emission LCVs declined final month, with new battery electrical van (BEV) uptake falling to 861 models, down -42.4% in contrast with final 12 months’s uptick in demand. It means BEVs accounted for simply 3.6% of all new LCV registrations in contrast with 6.6% in April final 12 months. The month historically has low registration volumes following new plate March and is subsequently topic to volatility, nevertheless, such a decline in BEV uptake – simply as authorities targets demand fast progress – places inexperienced targets in danger.
Business’s newest market outlook expects the UK’s new van market to develop by 3.3% to 353,000 models this 12 months, whereas BEV market share has been revised to eight.3%, down from 9.4% within the January outlook. BEV volumes are nonetheless anticipated to rise by 44.1% in 2024 to 29,000 models, however uptake is ready to stay beneath the bold gross sales targets set for producers within the Car Emissions Buying and selling Scheme (VETS). Producers proceed to take a position to ship extra zero emission fashions with aggressive ranges and payloads, quiet operation and excessive consolation ranges – however they alone can’t drive Britain’s inexperienced targets. Whereas some flexibilities within the early years of the VETS will assist, nevertheless, the dearth of appropriate public charging infrastructure for vans stays a major barrier to switching to zero emission fleet operations.
Decarbonising the sector subsequently is dependent upon a nationally deliberate, domestically delivered chargepoint technique that meets the precise wants of vans – notably the biggest fashions for which present infrastructure is just not usually appropriate. Figuring out the most effective locations to find such chargepoints, whereas dashing up grid connections in each a part of the nation, is important to offer operators confidence to take a position. Given the present must create the correct circumstances for extra fleets to modify, the Plug-in Van Grant should additionally stay in place, else the UK dangers slowing down street decarbonisation.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Government, stated,
Britain’s new van market continues to develop with the very newest, extra gas environment friendly fashions driving down CO2 – a core mission for the sector. Producers are investing billions to deliver electrical automobiles to market, nevertheless, uptake is slowing and pressing motion is required. If authorities is critical about supply of its bold targets, it should deploy an equally daring technique for delivering van-suitable public chargepoints throughout the UK, now the only most necessary step to get a greener Britain shifting.
SOURCE: SMMT