Commercial drivers are changing their opinions about electric vehicles (EVs). 52% of drivers polled by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles now believe that driving an electric van is more cost-effective when compared to petrol and diesel types.
We’ll take a closer look at the poll, and its surprising results.
Survey results
VW Commercial Vehicles polled 1,000 drivers in the United Kingdom in December 2023. The answers showed that more than two-thirds (67%) of van drivers in the UK believe that an EV would be better suited to their businesses.
A popular reason is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion in London, with 29% of drivers citing this as a motive to consider changing to an EV.
However, the survey also pointed out that the same barriers to entry persist, such as battery range and charging time, with 57% of respondents naming charging in particular as a concern.
What the results mean
According to an older poll also carried out by VW, EV consideration among van drivers has increased by 40% since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Just on-in-8 polled drivers remained sceptical about adopting an EV, suggesting a clear appetite for sustainable electric vans.
It also underlines the changing opinion amongst van drivers and a move towards more sustainable thinking.
Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “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.”
Which electric delivery vehicle to pick?
There are currently fewer options for van drivers than the average public driver.
However, new models are always being introduced to the market, and we can expect this trend to continue as demand amongst van drivers and fleet owners increases.
For city delivery drivers or couriers, the Vauxhall Vivero-e offers a range of 205 miles, and Nissan has a similar offering in the E-NV200 van.
For day-to-day driving in addition to business needs, the VW ID Buzz Cargo is Auto Express’ No.1 pick as of January 2024, with a fun and futuristic take on the old VW campers.
Sources
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