- According to fresh research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, an estimated 75% of UK van drivers are now ‘confident’ that a fully-electric van would meet their business needs, rising from 67% in 2023.
- The most common reasons cited for being ready to switch to electric included cost effectiveness, sustainability, and improved vehicle options.
- The research comes just days after the UK government extended the Plug-in Van Grant until at least 2027, allowing more businesses and fleets to make the switch at a lower price.
UK businesses are more confident than ever about switching to an electric van
The survey was carried out on 1,000 current UK van drivers, with the results showing that business confidence surrounding electric vans is on the rise. When Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ran a similar survey in 2023, around 67% of respondents were confident in the suitability of electric vans, with that figure now standing at 75%. The three biggest drivers to feeling ready to switching to an electric van, in order, were found to be cost effectiveness, sustainability, and improved vehicle options.
Of those who took part in the survey who didn’t yet have an electric van within their fleet, 69% of these individuals expected their respective firms to purchase at least one electric van by the end of the year. The overall positive mood painted by the survey is echoed by rising electric van sales in the country, with recent monthly registration figures seeing significant year-on-year rises for new electric vans.
The data comes soon after the UK government announced an extension to the Plug-in Van Grant, with that scheme now running until ‘at least’ 2027. This will allow more businesses to make the switch at a lower total cost of ownership and help maintain the current impressive sales growth being seen in the sector.
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.”
