Three quarters of van drivers say EVs are right for their business
Three out of four van drivers say an all-electric model would now be suitable for their business, according to a new poll.
That is up from two out of three a year ago, with drivers citing reduced running costs as one of the biggest draws. Electric models’ sustainability credentials and the ever-growing choice of vehicles were also credited with switching more van drivers on to EVs.
The research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles found that a full 75% of drivers felt an electric van would fit into their business, up from 67% in 2023. It also found that 69% of operators who don’t currently run an electric van expected to add one to their fleet this year.
Almost two-thirds (62%) said that the lower running costs of an EV was the key incentive for switching to an electric van. Volkswagen estimates that an operator charging at home on an EV tariff could save more than £540 a year on “fuelling” their vehicle.
More than a third (37%) also said that the broader range of vans to choose from had helped convince them to go electric.
Craig Cavanagh, national fleet manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “It’s encouraging to see van drivers embracing the transition to electric, with the majority now recognising the ways in which EVs can support their day-to-day businesses.
“We continue to enhance and expand our line-up of all-electric vehicles, including the new eTransporter and entry-level ID. Buzz variants, as well as continuously improving our range of partnerships as we support customers on this electrification journey.”
Despite eight months of growth, which have brought a 50% year-on-year increase, electric van sales continue to fall short of targets. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says that electric vans currently account for 8.8% of the new market, some distance from the 16% set out under the ZEV mandate.
The Volkswagen study found that charging time (49%) and electric range (43%) remained key concerns for business operators.
