The UK van market is a vital part of the nation’s economy, keeping businesses of all sizes moving. As we head through 2025, there are some key shifts happening in the industry — from market slowdowns to electric van adoption and new government regulations. Whether you’re a tradesperson, fleet manager or small business owner, staying ahead of these trends can help you make smarter decisions when buying your next van.
📉 Market Performance: A Slow Start to 2025
January 2025 saw a 20.5% drop in new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations compared to the same month last year. That’s the second consecutive monthly decline, with large vans (2.5 to 3.5 tonnes GVW) down by 22.3%.
Interestingly, small vans (under 2 tonnes GVW) saw a massive 89.8% increase — though they still only make up a small portion of the market. Medium vans and pickups also saw declines, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in the commercial vehicle sector.
⚡ Electric Vans: A Slow but Steady Climb
While petrol and diesel van sales are down, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are slowly gaining ground. In January 2025, BEV registrations rose by 12.4%, accounting for 7.6% of new LCV sales.
But the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is pushing for 10% zero-emission van sales by the end of 2025 — and current figures show we’re not quite there yet. High costs, limited charging infrastructure, and range anxiety are still big concerns for many van buyers.
👉 See the full stats from SMMT
⚖️ Regulation Changes: What You Need to Know
Several key changes are reshaping the van market in 2025:
•Double-Cab Pickup Tax Change: From April 2025, many double-cab pickups will no longer qualify as commercial vehicles for tax purposes — a big shift for business buyers.
•ZEV Mandate Pressure: With zero-emission targets rising each year, both manufacturers and buyers need to keep pace with the shift to electric.
👉 More on industry impact at Business Vans
🏭 Manufacturer Moves: Adapting to a New Era
Manufacturers are adjusting to these changes, too. Stellantis — which produces Vauxhall vans — announced the closure of its Luton factory, consolidating electric van production at Ellesmere Port instead.
It’s a clear sign of the shift to electric, and it means UK van buyers can expect more EV options and potentially fewer diesel models going forward.
👉 Read the full article from The Times
🧭 Final Thoughts
The UK van market in 2025 is a mixed bag: sales of traditional vans are down, electric vans are rising slowly, and new regulations are shaking things up. For van owners and businesses alike, staying up to date is essential.
🚛 Looking to future-proof your fleet? Browse our latest vans for sale or pop into our St Helens showroom for expert, friendly advice.