Van drivers to transition to electric vehicles in the next two years

author: FutureCar Staff    

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Over half of van drivers (55%) plan to switch their vehicles to electric or plug-in hybrid within the next 24 months, according to research. A survey of 500 van drivers found that seven in ten are more likely to consider making the switch now compared to five years ago, with cost savings being one of the top reasons. Van drivers estimate they could save over £2,720 a year in fuel costs by moving away from diesel or petrol vehicles. Additionally, three in five van drivers are considering how an electric vehicle could benefit their business, seeing it as an opportunity to work with a more socially conscious clientele. Furthermore, 82% of the van drivers polled want to see more companies using environmentally friendly vans in their fleet.

The research was commissioned by GRIDSERVE to highlight its Sun-to-Wheel EV charging solutions. A spokesperson from GRIDSERVE stated, "It's great to learn that 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 that this group sees the benefit of going green and adopts 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 revealed that 59% of van drivers want to see the term "white van man" retired for something more inclusive. In the past five years, there has been an increase in non-male drivers behind the wheel of working vans, as reported by 55% of respondents. Furthermore, 42% have noticed more younger drivers in vans than ever before. The GRIDSERVE spokesperson added, "For years, the general public have held lots of unfounded opinions about those who drive vans. But what this research shows is that many are certainly bucking the stereotypes with their progressive views on inclusivity and the environment."

FutureCar Staff