The number of registrations rose by 17.7% year-on-year to 1,909 units.
Compared with Q1 last year, electric van uptake increased by 68.9% to a market share of 5.8%, more than doubling last year’s figures.
The UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market declined in March by -27.6% to 40,613 units according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The scale of the fall is amplified by comparison with March last year, when pent-up demand contributed to the largest increase in LCV registrations since 1999.
March is conventionally a bumper period due to the introduction of the new bi-annual number plate, with more LCVs registered last month than January and February combined.
However, supply and delivery issues continue to hamper the sector, including the global shortage of semiconductors and those affecting construction, logistics and shipping, with the March market -38.6% down on pre-pandemic 2019.
Businesses, meanwhile, are looking to electrify their fleets as the UK Government press ahead with their net zero strategy.
More Low Emission Zones (LEZs) will be introduced across the UK in a bid to improve air quality well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
LEZs set vehicle emission standards on certain road spaces. Older, more polluting vehicles that do not meet the proposed minimum emission standards will face a fine if they enter an LEZ when enforcement begins.
With a growing range of fully electric and hybrid vehicles to choose from, there’s never been a better time for businesses to go electric.
With the sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles set to end by 2030, there are many reasons to make the switch including: zero emissions, generous government grants, free road tax, low BIK tax and less maintenance.
The Arnold Clark Innovation Centre opened last year on Dumbarton Road in Glasgow’s West End with the aim of educating visitors about the benefits of alternatively fuelled vehicles and why they are becoming so important.
Book an appointment with our business expert at the Innovation Centre.
