Van drivers to transition to electric vehicles in next two years

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Over half of van drivers (55%) reckon they will have switched their vehicle within the next 24 months – for an electric or plug-in hybrid, research has found.

A survey of 500 motorists, who drive a van for work, found many are keen to go green – with seven in ten more likely to consider making the switch now than they were five years ago.

Some of the top reasons for this include the cost savings involved, as the typical van driver estimates they could save over £2,720 a year in fuel costs by ditching diesel or petrol vehicles.

But three in five are also thinking about how an electric vehicle could benefit their business – viewing it as an opportunity to work with a more socially conscious clientele.

And more than eight in ten (82%), of the van drivers polled, want to see more companies using environmentally friendly vans in their fleet, moving forward.

The research was commissioned by GRIDSERVE, to highlight its Sun-to-Wheel EV charging solutions.

A spokesman said: "It's great to learn today's van drivers are also following the trend, and switching to electric.

"Vans are vital to the everyday running of the UK, delivering parcels and getting tradespeople to their next job – so it is essential this group sees the benefit of going green, and is adopting the technology.

"These drivers are a key part of the electric road revolution, and will make a huge impact as more and more switch to cleaner vehicles. Our calculations estimate that switching the UK's fleet of vans to electric could save 15 million tonnes of CO2 every year."

The research also that it is not just companies which should be pursuing a progressive outlook – as 59% want to see the term "white van man" retired for something more inclusive.

Over the last five years, many have noticed a shift in those who are behind the wheel of working vans – with 55% spotting an increase in drivers who are not male.

As well as this, 42% have noted more younger drivers in vans than ever before, according to the survey, conducted via OnePoll.com.

The GRIDSERVE spokesman added: "For years, the general public have held lots of unfounded opinions about those who drive vans.

"But what this research shows is many are certainly bucking the stereotypes with their progressive views on inclusivity and the environment."