Van drivers believe an EV is now the most cost effective option

More than half of British van drivers believe electric vans are the most cost effective option.

In a survey carried out by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, 52% of drivers said operating an electric vehicle (EV) would be more cost effective than a petrol or diesel equivalent.

More than two-thirds of those surveyed also said that EVs would suit their business needs and day-to-day work.

Almost one-third (29%) of respondents cited the ULEZ expansion as the reason they intend to switch to an electric van.

While the survey demonstrates that there is growing acknowledgement of the benefits of making the switch to electric, some barriers to adoption persist.

Almost three quarters of van drivers said that reliability was no longer a reason not to buy an electric vehicle. Charging time remains the number one concern around purchasing an electric van (57%).

The numbers underscore a growing awareness and commitment among van drivers to embrace sustainable solutions.

Craig Cavanagh, national fleet manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “There’s no doubt that UK businesses are seriously considering when and how to make the switch to EVs. Van drivers are recognising the benefits, not only from a sustainability point of view, but also from the perspective of being more cost effective than petrol and diesel models. This is particularly true for those located in or around London, following the growth of the ULEZ zone and the Mayor of London’s scrappage scheme fund.

“Our first factory-built, all-electric van – the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo – provides a modern mobility solution for this precise purpose, and we’re encouraged to see van drivers embracing more sustainable solutions.”

The ID Buzz Cargo SWB Commerce is now available from £379 per month on a three-year Business Contract Hire deal.

The ULEZ scrappage scheme provides financial assistance of up to £9,500 to eligible enterprises that have vehicles registered in London, to replace their internal combustion engine van with a fully-electric model.