For the fifth consecutive month, new electric van registrations have continued to grow as businesses try to save costs in the face of rising fuel prices. 

The latest update from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows a rise of 62.7% since the turn of the year, bringing the total to 6,085 units across the UK. 

In May alone, 869 battery electric vans (BEVs) were registered, representing an increase of 276 from the same month of last year. This means that BEVs account for 14% of all new registrations in 2022 so far. The overall BEV market share doubled for the year to date at 5.2%. By comparison, the market share for diesels fell by 27.8% in that time. 

Another survey from the SMMT also showed that 58% of current van owners would be tempted to go electric in the future as infrastructure grows, and 57% would crossover with additional government incentives such as grants or decreased tax – something that is supported by the SMMT’s Chief Executive, Mike Hawes. 

Although the SMMT does not filter out model charts according to power type (electric, petrol etc), three of the four best-selling vans so far this year  - the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vauxhall Vivaro - are all available with electric or PHEV drivetrains. The new all-electric Transit is expected to boost sales of pure electric vans dramatically.

The new all electric Transit will boost sector sales further