Most UK van drivers now accept that electric vans are cheaper to run than their petrol or diesel-powered rivals.

More than two-thirds of LCV drivers quizzed in a study by Volkswagen Commercial Services also say that EVs would suit their business needs and day-to-day work. Almost one-third (29%) of respondents said that the ULEZ expansion in London is the driving force behind a change to electric power.

The survey also demonstrated that there’s growing acknowledgement of the benefits of making the switch to electric, while 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, but charging time remains the number one concern around purchasing an electric van, with 57% concerned about forced downtime.

“There’s no doubt that UK businesses are seriously considering when and how to make the switch to EVs,” explained Craig Cavanagh, national fleet manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “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.”

Volkswagen currently has a Spring Sales Offer for ID Buzz Cargo buyers, with monthly rates starting from £379 per month on a three-year Business Contract Hire deal, before VAT.

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

Phil Huff
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