Three quarters of UK van drivers say EVs are right for their businesses

Three quarters (75%) of UK van drivers surveyed by Volkswagen are confident an electric van would meet their business needs
Van drivers cite cost effectiveness (62%), sustainability (52%) and improved vehicle options (37%) as reasons they’re now ready to go electric
For businesses yet to transition their fleets, the majority (69%) expect to purchase an electric van this year

THREE quarters (75%) of UK van drivers now believe that a fully electric van would be a suitable choice for their businesses, up from 67% in 2023, according to research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Volkswagen’s survey of 1,000 UK van drivers in December 2024 reveals cost effectiveness as a key factor driving EV consideration, as 62% of respondents believe that an electric van would now be cheaper to run compared with diesel or petrol alternatives. This July saw a near 60% increase in electric LCV sales, accounting for more than 9% of the market.

While charging time (49%) and electric range (43%) continue to top concerns about making the transition, the results show that the majority (69%) of respondents without an electric van on their fleets do expect to purchase one in 2025.

This is because, according to the survey, businesses are looking for ways to make their businesses more sustainable (52%). Also cited was the improved selection of EV options available (37%), leading to greater EV consideration. An Arval survey also found that being able to enter low emission zones was a major driver.

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.”

Volkswagen says that its Charge Anytime offer with OVO Energy can help drivers to save up to £542 per year when smart-charging at home thanks to the low rate of 7p per kWh any time, day or night. Additionally, customers benefit from up to 2,000 free miles for their new electric vehicle with Charge Anytime, plus up to 1,000 extra free miles for the next three years.