Vauxhall was the best-selling manufacturer of electric light commercial vehicles (eLCV) in 2022, thanks to the success of the Vivaro Electric and Combo Cargo Electric vans.
The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that Vauxhall sold 5,038 electric LCVs over the last year, cementing the accolade for the second year in a row.
Sales for the year increased by 73%, rising to 5,038. The Vivaro Electric took the bulk of those registrations, at 4,212. The smaller Combo Cargo Electric and larger Movano Electric accounted for the remaining 826 registrations. Vauxhall is one of a handful of manufacturers — including its Stellantis-owned stablemates at Citroen and Peugeot — that offer an electric version of every commercial vehicle in its range.
“Electric van sales grew significantly in 2022, and will continue to grow next year, as more businesses and fleets look to cut their emissions and running costs,” said James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall. “It’s a testament to the breadth and quality of our all-electric LCV range that the highest share of businesses and private buyers opted for an electric Vauxhall van for the second year in a row.”
Total van sales dropped in 2022, falling back by 20.6% over 2021, thanks to persistent supply chain issues which have restricted production globally. Despite the significant challenges faced by the sector, demand for electric vans grew, with deliveries up 31.2%, from 12,759 to 16,744 units.
The Ford Transit Custom topped the overall charts, with 42,215 of the diesel-powered vans finding new homes throughout 2022, making it the best-selling vehicle in the UK.
“While demand for new vans remained robust throughout 2022, replicating last year’s high levels of fleet renewal was always going to be a challenge with relentless supply chain disruptions and wider economic malaise,” commented Mike Hawes, SMMT
chief executive. “A return to growth is expected in 2023, but if this crucial sector is to deliver for the economy, society and the environment, action is needed from all stakeholders, particularly in the areas of charging infrastructure and fiscal frameworks, enabling more van buyers to make the switch.”
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