November 14, 2025

LCV Market Update – Oct 2025

Headline: Used LCV sales are now 17 consecutive months into growth, with electric vans rising sharply — but diesel still leads on speed of sale.

Quarter 3 delivered another solid performance for the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market. Used van demand remained strong, electric van interest continued to build, and businesses showed steady confidence despite economic headwinds. However, new LCV registrations fell again, highlighting a widening gap between policy targets and real-world adoption rates.

This is your October update, summarising all the key movements.

New LCV Registrations: Nine Months of Consecutive Decline

New LCV registrations fell again in August, marking the 9th straight month of decline, down 2,210 units year-on-year (–13%). The last three months have averaged –11% YoY, reflecting a persistent slowdown compared with both 2023 and 2024.

There was one major exception: New electric LCV registrations surged +82% YoY, showing promising momentum — even if still behind ZEV mandate targets.

New LCV registrations fell 13% year-on-year in August, despite strong growth in electric vans (+82% YoY).

Used LCV Sales: +6% YoY and 17 Months of Growth

Used van sales continued their sustained upward trend, rising +6% YoY in August.
This marks the 17th consecutive month of used LCV growth.

Breakdown by retailer type:

  • Independents: +8.2%
  • Franchise retailers: –0.6% (first negative print of 2025)

By fuel type:

  • Used electric LCVs: +66%
  • Used diesel vans: +4%
Used LCV sales increased 6% year-on-year, with electric vans up 66% and independents driving most of the growth.

Market Health: Demand Strong, Supply Rising, and Older Vans Lead

Market health improved year-on-year for the third consecutive month, supported by persistent demand and increasing business confidence.

Key dynamics in August:

  • Demand: +4% YoY
  • Supply: –2% YoY (but still +15% vs 2023)
  • Market Health: +6% YoY

Strongest demand segments:

  • Combi vans: +12%
  • Panel vans: +5%

Best performing age bracket:

  • 5–10-year-old vans: Market health +16%
    • Supply down –18%
    • Demand outpacing availability
Market health rose 6% year-on-year, with strong demand in combi and panel vans and tightening supply in 5–10-year-old vehicles.

Speed of Sale: Older Vans Move Fast, EVs Take Longer

Used LCVs took 42 days to sell in August — 3 days slower YoY, reversing the improvement seen in previous months.

Breakdown:

  • Panel vans: Fastest at 40 days
  • Pickups: 42 days
  • 15+ year-old vans: 35 days (fast)
  • 1–3-year-old vans: 47 days (slower)
Used LCVs averaged 42 days to sell in August — 3 days slower year-on-year, with older vans continuing to move quickest.

Used LCV Pricing: Negative YoY but Improving Month-by-Month

Like-for-like used LCV prices were down –4.6% YoY, continuing the steady improvement in pricing seen throughout 2025.

Key pricing movements:

  • 10–15-year-old vans: +7.3%
  • Under 1-year-old vans: –5.2%
  • 1–3-year-old vans: –4.2%
  • Electric vans: –9.4% (but improving vs July: –11.6%)
  • Diesel: –4.4%

This highlights a clear divide: older diesel vans are holding value, while younger stock and EVs remain price-sensitive.

Market Health by Fuel Type, Age & Body Type

A detailed breakdown shows:

  • Diesel retains stronger market health than electric
  • 5–10-year-old vans show the best balance of demand vs supply
  • Chassis cabs, pickups, and SUVs perform well on pricing
  • Electric vans continue to face weaker market health indicators

This reinforces the need for age + body-style-specific pricing strategies rather than relying on averages.

Market dynamics vary significantly by age and body type, with 5–10-year-old vans showing the strongest overall market health.

Electric Vans: Higher Interest, but Still Behind Diesel in Speed of Sale

Electric LCV visibility continues to rise:

  • Record-high share of advert views
  • Record-high share of stock
  • EV days to sell: 52 days (2 days slower YoY)
  • Diesel: 42 days (10 days faster than EV)

Outlook for Q4

The data paints a picture of a steady and confident LCV market, but also one in transition:

  • Used market strength continues to support the sector
  • Electric vans are gaining visibility and momentum
  • Diesel still dominates both speed of sale and pricing stability
  • Rising supply could pressure market health in Q4
  • Electric adoption continues increasing but remains behind policy goals

With strong business confidence and rising buyer engagement, the LCV sector enters Q4 with healthy momentum — but facing important decisions on pricing, stock mix, and electrification strategy.

Final Thought

The gap between diesel dominance and electric ambition is narrowing — but slowly.
Retailers who balance competitive EV pricing, clear consumer education, and strong diesel stock selection will remain best positioned heading into 2026.

For further detail, see the full Auto Trader LCV Market Intelligence Report – Q3 2025.