UK’s Struggle with Electric Van Adoption
The UK is facing significant challenges in its efforts to reduce emissions from commercial vehicles as diesel vans continue to dominate the market. Despite government mandates and the approaching 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, the adoption of electric vans remains critically low. According to the latest report from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, diesel vehicles still make up 94% of the UK’s van market.
The Scale of the Problem
With 4.6 million vans on British roads and vans responsible for 40% of logistics emissions, the slow transition to electric vehicles poses a substantial challenge to the UK’s climate goals. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the average age of light commercial vehicles in the UK is less than 10 years and rising. This means that newly purchased diesel vans will likely remain on the roads well past 2040, undermining the intended impact of the 2035 fossil fuel vehicle ban.
Failed Targets and Declining Sales
The UK fell short of its 2024 Zero Emission Van mandate, achieving just 5.7% instead of the required 10% target. Van sales have been declining for four consecutive months as of March 2025, with battery electric vehicles accounting for only 8.2% of the market share during this period. The sale of just 318 large BEV vans in the 3.5-4.25 tonne category highlights the particular challenges in transitioning larger vehicles.
Alternative Solutions: Retrofitting
Fleet experts are warning that without embracing retrofitting as a solution, the UK will struggle to meet its emissions targets. Retrofitting existing vans with electric powertrains could provide a viable alternative to purchasing new electric vehicles. Osman Boyne, founder and CEO of BEDEO, argues that “van fleet operators need real options, not just the choice between new large electric vans or nothing.” Retrofitting can cost up to 50% less than buying a new large battery-electric van and prevents unnecessary vehicle scrappage while cutting emissions immediately.
Government Action Needed
Experts are calling on the UK Government to support “real-world solutions” rather than ignoring the practical challenges faced by fleets of large vans. Boyne warns that if existing petrol and diesel vehicles continue polluting for decades after the ban, the 2035 phase-out of fossil-fuelled vehicles won’t significantly reduce carbon emissions. Recent data showing a 10.5% year-on-year increase in diesel van registrations across the EU suggests that companies are rushing to secure diesel-powered vans before regulatory bans take effect, further entrenching diesel’s dominance in the commercial vehicle sector.
Conclusion
The UK’s reliance on diesel vans poses a significant threat to its emissions targets and climate goals. With the government facing pressure to support practical solutions like retrofitting, the coming years will be crucial in determining the success of the UK’s transition to cleaner commercial vehicles.
