Demand for battery electric vans (BEVs) was up 44.7% in April, with 2,439 registrations, according to the latest SMMT figures.

At an 11.1% market share, however, BEV adoption represented less than half the 24% share mandated for 2026.

With the year-to-date BEV share still just 9.4%, the SMMT continues to call for an urgent and holistic review of the transition – ensuring the regulation reflects market realities and operators have the additional support they need to accelerate zero emission adoption.

More broadly, the overall new light commercial vehicle market rose by 6.8% in April with 21,716 vans, pickups and 4x4s registered. While the performance is compared against a weak April last year, the return to growth after a disappointing March is welcome, the SMMT says.

Performance was mixed, with overall growth driven by deliveries of large vans, up 28.5% to 15,561 units, representing 71.7% of all new LCVs registered. Medium-sized vans declined, meanwhile, by
-20.0% to 3,476 units. In the smaller volume segments, registrations of 4x4s rose by 81.6% to 1,024 units, while small vans fell -14.4% to 489 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive: "April’s improved market is welcome news, despite a tough economic environment. New LCV investment drives growth and decarbonisation, but must be sustained by investment in public and depot BEV infrastructure – and a reversal of BIK on double cabs – to build momentum for fleet renewal that cuts emissions and boosts business."