Last Tuesday, I took a trip to the Commercial Vehicle Show at the The NEC, Birmingham, bringing my 82-year-old dad along for the ride. We were heading to the Peak District for a few days of fishing, and I thought the show would make for a good detour. Dad used to have a Ford Motor Company camper van, and with his background in marketing, I knew he’d enjoy seeing the latest models and meeting some new faces.
I went because I love vans and I’m fascinated by the move towards electrification. It’s interesting to see how commercial vehicles are following passenger cars, but it’s not straightforward, there are unique challenges to tackle. The good news is that, like with cars, new players are coming in, prices are dropping, and ranges are getting better.
The market’s a bit mixed at the moment.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new LCV deliveries fell by 14.9% in April, the fifth consecutive month of decline, with demand for vans of all sizes dropping. On the bright side, electric van uptake surged by 77.5%, but even with that jump, BEVs still only make up half of the 16% target for 2025.
I met up with Sam Gilmour from Towerhill KIA at the launch of Kia UK Limited's first UK eLCV, the PB5. Great range, ultra-fast charging (10-80% <30 mins), and V2L 220V power inside and out. A really smart-looking bit of kit, and the price made all the dealers take notice. What an entrance to the market!
I’d seen Farizon Auto UK the week before at Fully Charged SHOW & Everything Electric this time I learnt how to pronounce the name, just think "Far" & "Horizon". Their stand was buzzing, and it’s clear they’re making waves.
Renault Vans PRO+ UK put on a brilliant show too, with their new Master just named International Van of the Year Jury 2025, alongside their next-gen electric models like Trafic, Estafette, and Goelette E-Tech models. These Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) are future-ready, while still reflecting Renault’s long-standing legacy.
A highlight was chatting with a young HGV driver in the cab of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK eActros 600. He’s certain that the future is electric, and it’s good to hear that kind of confidence from someone on the road daily.
But it wasn’t all electric, ICE still has its place.
We ended the day checking out the INEOS Automotive Grenadier Commercial, a proper workhorse: two seats, a flat floor, over 2,000 litres of load space, and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity. Sometimes, a more traditional solution just makes perfect sense.
It’s clear the transition is underway, but it’s not without its challenges. After talking to that HGV driver and seeing the latest vehicles, I’m more convinced than ever that we’re on the right path.
Whether you're a legacy brand navigating the EV transition or an emerging brand looking to raise awareness, We Are Acuity would love to help.
All in all, a brilliant day, and Dad loved every minute of it.
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