Three-quarters of UK van drivers now consider a fully electric van suitable for their business, up from 67% in 2023, according to research published by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The findings come as electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations rose more than 50% year-on-year to June 2025.
The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers highlighted cost-effectiveness as a primary factor, with 62% saying electric vans would be cheaper to run than petrol or diesel models. Charging time (49%) and driving range (43%) remain the top concerns. However, 69% of respondents who do not currently operate an electric van expect to buy one in 2025, citing sustainability goals (52%) and the wider range of EV options available (37%).
Volkswagen is offering incentives such as its Charge Anytime programme with OVO Energy, which can save drivers up to £542 annually by smart charging at a rate of 7p per kWh, available day or night. Customers also receive up to 2,000 free miles for a new EV, with an additional 1,000 free miles per year for the following three years.
Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “It’s encouraging to see van drivers embracing the transition to electric, with the majority now recognising the ways in which EVs can support their day-to-day businesses. We continue to enhance and expand our line-up of all-electric vehicles, including the new eTransporter and entry-level ID. Buzz variants, as well as continuously improving our range of partnerships as we support customers on this electrification journey.”
Volkswagen’s new eTransporter panel van offers up to 218PS and a range of around 200 miles with an 83kWh battery. The ID. Buzz Cargo provides up to 277 miles of range on the 79kWh battery variant, while a new entry-level 59kWh option delivers up to 201 miles.