In a landmark first, electric vans have appeared on Aston Barclay’s LCV desirability index, marking a shift in market dynamics.
- Ford E-Transit secured the top spot in September, reflecting growing value perceptions of electric vans.
- LCV demand and prices have returned to pre-Covid levels for the second month, signalling recovery in the market.
- Diverse used LCV stock remains, driven by value-focused purchases rather than brand popularity.
- SMEs are actively renewing fleets or adding used LCVs, encouraged by the strong market competition.
In a landmark development, electric vans have made their debut on Aston Barclay’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) desirability index for September, highlighting a significant shift in the market’s dynamics. The index revealed that the Ford E-Transit not only entered but topped the list, underscoring a growing recognition of the value electric vans provide, particularly in low-mileage, return-to-base operations.
The desirability index, which evaluates vehicles based on web views, bidding activity, and sale price as a percentage of the CAP average, saw the Ford E-Transit achieve the foremost position. Additionally, the Maxus eDeliver 5 featured in eighth place, indicating an increasing acceptance and desirability for electric models within the market.
September marked the second consecutive month where LCV demand and prices rebounded to levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic, signalling robust recovery in this sector. This renewed demand is attributed partly to the diverse stock mix available, which presents prospective buyers with a range of models offering substantial value rather than purely aesthetic appeal.
Notably, the used LCV market demonstrates a variety of options, including medium and large panel vans dominating the desirability table. Ford, in particular, dominated the index with five entries, including four vans and a pickup, showcasing the broad appeal of their offerings in the LCV segment. The Toyota HiLux also featured prominently as the second most desirable model.
This invigorated market environment has motivated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to either replace existing vehicles or expand their fleets with used LCVs. As stated by Nick Thompson, Aston Barclay’s chief customer officer, the summer saw an unexpected surge in market activity, typically a quieter period, which instilled considerable confidence among buyers who are now purchasing in bulk.
Thompson remarked, “The used LCV market sprang into life this summer when traditionally it is quiet, injecting real confidence into the market. We are seeing strong competition for LCVs, with many buyers snapping up vehicles in large batches.” He further acknowledged the presence of electric vans in the index as a positive development, noting their attractive value proposition in specific operational contexts.
The introduction of electric vans into Aston Barclay’s LCV desirability index reflects both a market recovery and evolving vehicle preferences.
