A new study by Fiat Professional has found that 35% of van drivers are thinking about switching to an electric model for their next vehicle.

The survey found that 91% of drivers think it’s vital for everyone to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

The research was carried out by the manufacturer as it launches its E-Ducato electric van in the UK, which has a range of up to 192 miles between charges - almost four times the daily distance driven by the van drivers surveyed.

Fiat found two thirds of survey respondents support the government's plans to reduce vehicle emissions on UK roads, while more than eight in 10 (84%) also think companies should be looking to have an environmentally friendly fleet of vehicles.

More than eight in 10 (83%) van drivers said would "consider an electric vehicle" as their next LCV, in a separate survey by Vanarama.

However, the commercial and personal online vehicle leasing company found 90% of the customers it surveyed did not know enough about EVs to be able to fully commit.

Richard Chamberlain, from Fiat Professional, said: “Caring about the planet is an important part of everyone’s  lives, and while the growth in popularity of electric cars has been well publicised, it seems many van drivers are proud of their office and are also looking to make the switch to zero emission motoring.

“Electric vans offer a lot of benefits for delivery companies and tradespeople. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they are also exempt from the congestion charge and ULEZ and are available with up to a whopping £8,000 government grant.” 

The findings come after a poll of 2,000 adults commissioned by Fiat revealed consumers are becoming more interested in the carbon footprint of items delivered to doors across the country.

Three quarters of adults want delivery companies to use zero emission vehicles where they can, while 75% also want to see retail and consumer companies focus on ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

More than half (52%) would like to know more about the carbon footprint of delivery companies across the UK.

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