The UK new van market recorded its sixth consecutive month of growth in September 2026, with registrations increasing by 4.8% to 49,704 vans, pickups and 4x4s. However, while demand for commercial vehicles is recovering, the latest figures highlight the continuing challenge of accelerating electric van adoption.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), September was the strongest month for new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations so far this year. Battery-electric LCV registrations also reached a new monthly record, although electric models continued to account for a relatively small proportion of the market.
For businesses planning their next vehicle replacement, the figures provide a useful snapshot of the changing commercial vehicle market, the growing choice of electric vans and the practical considerations involved in choosing a vehicle for work. Our coverage of the UK commercial vehicle market in 2026 provides further context on the vehicles attracting interest from UK businesses.
New Van Registrations Increase For Sixth Consecutive Month
The September results represent a continued recovery in demand for new commercial vehicles, with registrations rising across several van categories.
Large vans recorded the biggest increase in volume, with registrations climbing by 11.1% to 36,302 units. Medium vans increased by 2.2% to 7,304 units, while small vans rose by 13.2% to 1,361 units.
The figures suggest that demand remains particularly strong for larger commercial vehicles, which are widely used by tradespeople, delivery businesses and companies operating larger fleets. Businesses can compare different options in our guides to the best vans for tradespeople and medium vans with the highest payload.
The Ford Transit Custom was the UK’s most registered light commercial vehicle in September, with 8,900 registrations. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter followed with 3,166, ahead of the Ford Transit at 2,969.
These results underline the continued importance of established commercial vehicle models to UK businesses. However, the right choice will depend on the work a vehicle needs to perform, including its load capacity, payload, daily mileage and operating costs.
Businesses comparing their options can read our guide to choosing the right business van to lease, which explains the factors worth considering before committing to a vehicle. Our guide to van payload also explains why carrying capacity matters when selecting a commercial vehicle.
Electric Van Registrations Reach A New Record
September also delivered a record month for battery-electric light commercial vehicle registrations. The SMMT reported 4,832 electric LCV registrations, an increase of 13.4% compared with September 2025.
Across the first nine months of 2026, registrations of battery-electric LCVs reached 27,359, up 23.7% on the same period last year.
Despite this growth, electric vehicles accounted for 9.6% of new LCV registrations in September and 10.8% year to date, according to the SMMT’s figures. The year-to-date share remained well below the 24% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate target applicable to vans in 2026. The gap between current electric van uptake and the mandated target remains a challenge for the industry, as explored in CVC’s review of the UK’s ZEV mandate targets.
The gap highlights the difference between rising electric vehicle registrations and the pace of transition envisaged by the mandate. Although more businesses are registering electric vans, adoption remains challenging across the wider commercial vehicle market. Our article on electric van registrations reaching record levels while remaining below ZEV targets examines the same challenge in greater detail.
The SMMT points to factors including higher upfront vehicle costs and the need for depot charging upgrades. It has also called for continued support through the Plug-in Van Grant and the Depot Charging Scheme. Businesses can read our guide to the Plug-in Van Grant to understand the support available, subject to current eligibility rules.
For businesses considering the switch, the decision involves more than the vehicle’s advertised price. Charging access, daily mileage, payload requirements, journey patterns and the availability of suitable models all influence whether an electric van will work in practice.
Our guide to electric van leasing for businesses explains the considerations involved in choosing an electric commercial vehicle, while our article on how EV charging works for businesses covers charging arrangements and infrastructure.
Businesses planning charging installations can also explore the latest developments in EV charging infrastructure growth and government support for EV charging infrastructure in England.
The choice of vehicle is equally important. Our guide to the best small electric vans provides a starting point for businesses with lighter transport requirements, while our comparison of electric vans versus diesel vans explores the practical differences between the two powertrains.
Why The ZEV Mandate Remains A Challenge
The ZEV mandate sets requirements for the proportion of new vehicles manufacturers must sell that produce zero emissions at the tailpipe. The applicable targets differ between cars and vans, with the van transition facing particular challenges.
Although electric LCV registrations have increased compared with last year, the September figures show that the market remains some distance from the 2026 target.
Commercial vehicles can present different electrification challenges from passenger cars. Vans may cover high daily mileages, carry heavy loads, operate across multiple locations or need to remain available throughout the working day. Businesses must therefore assess whether a particular electric model can meet those demands without disrupting operations.
Charging infrastructure is another consideration. Companies with a depot or workplace where vehicles return regularly may find it easier to plan charging than businesses whose drivers park on the street or travel unpredictable routes.
Our guide to the UK ZEV mandate and electric vehicle targets examines the regulatory framework, while our article on electric van adoption among UK business fleets explores the wider transition.
The issue is also attracting calls for changes to the transition timetable. Our coverage of calls for a review of the ZEV mandate looks at the pressures facing manufacturers as they work towards the required sales mix.
For fleet operators, the implications extend beyond vehicle choice. Businesses may need to assess charging facilities, vehicle replacement schedules and the suitability of different models across their operations. Our guide to fleet lifecycle management explains how a structured approach to vehicle replacement can support longer-term planning.
Choosing The Right Van For Your Business
The latest registration figures provide useful market context, but the most popular vehicle is not necessarily the best option for every business.
Before choosing a new van, operators should consider the work it will carry out, how far it will travel and the equipment it needs to accommodate. Payload and load space are particularly important for businesses transporting tools, materials or heavy goods.
Running costs also deserve attention. Fuel or electricity consumption, servicing, maintenance, insurance and vehicle downtime can all affect the overall cost of operating a commercial vehicle.
For businesses comparing diesel and electric models, it is worth assessing the total cost of operation alongside the practical suitability of each vehicle. An electric van may be appropriate for predictable routes and regular depot returns, while a diesel model may remain more suitable for some high-mileage or demanding applications.
Our guide to the cost of running a van explains the expenses businesses should factor into their budgets. Operators can also use our fuel cost calculator to estimate fuel expenditure when comparing conventional vehicles with alternative options.
Maintenance is another factor to consider. Businesses should account for servicing requirements, repairs and potential downtime when assessing the overall cost of ownership. Our guides to vehicle maintenance and maintenance versus warranty explain these considerations in more detail.
Leasing can also help businesses plan vehicle replacement and manage their vehicle budgets, although the suitability of a particular agreement depends on mileage, contract length, maintenance requirements and individual business circumstances.
Our guide to business van leasing in the UK explains how the process works, while our overview of business contract hire outlines one of the main funding options available to businesses.
Mileage should also be considered carefully when arranging an agreement. Our guides to mileage allowances in vehicle leasing and excess mileage charges explain why estimating annual usage accurately can help businesses avoid unexpected costs.
Managing A Fleet Through The Transition
For businesses operating several vehicles, the transition towards lower-emission transport can involve more than replacing individual vans. Fleet managers may need to consider vehicle suitability, charging infrastructure, driver requirements, maintenance arrangements and the timing of future replacements.
A planned approach can help businesses identify which vehicles are suitable for electrification now and where conventional models may remain necessary. It can also help fleet operators assess whether charging investment is justified by their routes, vehicle utilisation and operating patterns.
Our fleet management solutions explain how businesses can approach the wider task of managing commercial vehicles, while our guide to fleet planning and leasing covers vehicle selection and replacement considerations.
Businesses looking for a joined-up approach can also explore our one-stop fleet solutions, which bring together vehicle leasing and related fleet support.
As electric van availability increases, reviewing the options with a leasing provider can help businesses compare suitable models, contract terms and operational requirements before committing to a change.
What The Latest Van Market Figures Mean For Businesses
For businesses, the latest figures highlight the importance of choosing vehicles that balance operational requirements with running costs. Electric vans offer an expanding range of options, but payload, driving range, charging access and daily working patterns remain important considerations when deciding whether to switch from diesel.
Businesses planning their next vehicle replacement should compare available models and leasing options against their mileage, load requirements and long-term operating needs.
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