Three quarters of UK van drivers now believe a fully electric van would be a suitable choice for their businesses, according to a survey commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The study of 1,000 UK van drivers, conducted by OnePoll in December last year and covering the 2024 calendar year, found 75% of respondents felt able to run their operations on zero emissions, up from 67% in 2023.
Cost effectiveness was cited as a key factor driving EV consideration, with 62% saying an electric van would now be cheaper to run compared with diesel or petrol alternatives.
While charging time (49%) and electric range (43%) continue to be factors with regards to making the transition, the results show 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.
The survey results come soon after UK government announced an extension to the Plug-in Van Grant, with that scheme now due to run until at least 2027.
With EV consideration on the rise among UK businesses, electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations increased by more than 50% year-on-year during the year to June 2025.
Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “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.”
