Vauxhall’s ‘Electric Van Adoption Report’ has thrown the spotlight on the crucial role of on-street electric vehicle charging infrastructure in helping businesses transition to electric vans. The study reveals that over 90% of fleet operators say their drivers would be reliant on residential charging if they switch to a fully electric fleet, but a lack of suitable on-street charging points remains a significant obstacle.
Charging challenges holding back progress
Eurig Druce, Group Managing Director of Stellantis UK, commented on the findings: “Charging at home or work is incredibly convenient, and the charging network on Britain’s major roads is improving at a very rapid pace, however, to ensure fleet operators are comfortable moving to electric, councils need to work with charge point operators to install charge points on residential roads that need it most.”
The report surveyed 2,000 UK fleet operators and found that while 84% already have at least one electric van on their fleet, only 8% have made a complete transition to electric. Among the main barriers identified, 23% of operators cited a lack of adequate on-street charging as the key issue preventing wider adoption.
Installing charging facilities at business sites isn’t straightforward either, with 81% of respondents saying it would be problematic. This means the burden of charging often falls to drivers using on-street facilities near their homes.
However, with 40% of UK households lacking a driveway and only 19% of households near a public charge point, significant gaps remain in the UK’s charging infrastructure.
Much of the current public charging infrastructure is also concentrated in cities, with rural and suburban areas remaining underserved. Industry experts and fleet managers are calling for more targeted investment and greater involvement from local authorities to ensure that the government’s promised infrastructure rollout benefits all regions equally.
When will fleets be ready to switch?
Although the government’s 2035 deadline to end sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles is looming, many businesses expect to make the switch to fully electric fleets earlier. The average date for this transition is forecast for late 2028, with some companies planning to be fully electric by as soon as 2026. However, industries like travel and transport anticipate taking longer, citing infrastructure challenges.
Fleet operators also highlighted the importance of government action to support the transition. For 26% of respondents, improvements to the public charging network were seen as the single most effective measure to encourage adoption.
The benefits of going electric
Despite the challenges, many fleet operators recognise the advantages of electric vans. Among those who already use them, 83% said they have benefited their business, and 91% believe switching to electric would positively impact customer perception.
Vauxhall’s efforts to support the transition include incentives like reduced prices across its electric van line-up and offering complimentary home wallbox installations. The brand’s Electric Streets of Britain initiative, launched in 2023, also aims to address the on-street charging gap. Through partnerships with charge point operators and local councils, Vauxhall encourages drivers to register their on-street charging needs, helping local authorities better target installations.
So far, over 12,000 streets have been logged as needing on-street charging through the campaign’s website.
Looking ahead
Vauxhall’s report underlines that while businesses are willing to embrace electric vans, reliable and accessible charging infrastructure is essential. Without it, achieving the UK’s electrification goals will be challenging.
Vauxhall’s latest electric vans, including the UK-built Combo Electric, now offer extended ranges of up to 263 miles and significant price reductions, with entry models starting at £27,100.
The full Electric Van Adoption Report is available to download at electricstreets.co.uk
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