New study reveals 70% of van fleet drivers want to drive electric

Studies show that most van fleet drivers want to make the switch to electric

New research has shown there’s a rising interest among van fleet drivers to swap their combustion engine van for an electric one.

In fact, as many as seven in 10 drivers admitted this, according to figures published by Churchill Expert.

In the age of electrification, these figures represent a seismic shift in the mindset of fleet van drivers, with only 15% of drivers questioned admitting they would still prefer their petrol or diesel models.

Fleet managers are no longer limited by the number of electric vans readily available either. 

There are now plenty of enticing and efficient electric van models to consider for your fleet. Including the likes of:

• Citroen e-Berlingo
• Vauxhall Combo Electric
• Volkswagen ID. Buzz

With the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles on the horizon, there’s no time like the present for businesses to start preparing their van fleets for electrification.

What's driving this shift?

The enthusiasm for electric vans isn't just about keeping up with the latest trends. Government research into commercial van fleets revealed some compelling motivations behind this growing appetite for electric vehicles (EVs).

Environmental responsibility is a major factor.

Many businesses are setting their own Net Zero targets, with more than three-quarters of fleet managers aiming to convert their fleet to EVs before the Government's 2030 ban. Some want to lead by example – particularly in the public sector.

As one fleet manager from the study put it: "The Council has to set an example and go for zero emissions as soon as we can."

But it's not all about being green.

The business case for electric vans is becoming increasingly attractive. Companies are finding that electric vans can contribute to winning tenders, as customers increasingly value environmental credentials.

Plus, the operational cost savings are hard to ignore – no road tax, no congestion charges in many urban areas, and significantly lower fuel costs.

One operator in the study reported saving "about one million a year on maintenance and fuel" after switching to electric. Who could turn that down?

The current state of play

While the appetite is clearly there, the research shows that many businesses are still in the early stages of electrification. Most operators who have adopted electric vans have done so for only part of their fleet, typically using them for the shorter, more predictable routes.

This cautious approach makes sense really.

Fleet managers are being pragmatic, deploying electric vans where they work best while keeping traditional vehicles for longer or more variable routes.

The good news? This targeted approach is working.

Operators who've made the switch for suitable routes report that their drivers "love the vehicles" and that the transition has been smoother than expected once the initial hurdles were overcome.

And the latest research backs this up.

The 2025 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer shows electric vans are now hitting the long road with confidence.

A whopping 32% of small van fleets and 30% of medium van fleets are deploying their electric vehicles on routes exceeding 100 miles daily. Gone are the days when EVs were just for popping to the shops.

The electric revolution isn't just coming – it's already cruising down the motorway.

What's holding some back?

Despite the enthusiasm, there are still some practical considerations that fleet managers need to navigate:

Range and charging infrastructure remain the biggest concerns.

Many businesses worry about whether current electric van ranges will meet their operational needs, particularly when carrying heavy loads.

The research found that operators with more predictable, shorter routes were more likely to have adopted electric vans.

Charging logistics can be complex.

Whether it's installing infrastructure at depots, managing home charging for drivers, or relying on the public charging network – each option comes with its own set of challenges and costs.

Upfront costs are still significant, though many operators acknowledge the long-term savings. Government grants are available, but awareness could be better.

The landscape is changing rapidly. 

Advances in battery technology mean that EV ranges are constantly improving, and charging infrastructure is expanding at pace to make topping up your electric van easier than ever.

What seemed impossible just a couple of years ago is now becoming standard – and that trend shows no signs of slowing down.

The road ahead

The research reveals that while most operators are supportive of electric vans in theory, there's still work to be done on the practical side. The key is finding the right approach for each business – whether that's depot charging, home charging, or a combination of both.

What's encouraging is that the industry is moving in the right direction. 

With improving vehicle ranges, expanding charging infrastructure, and growing awareness of the operational benefits, we're likely to see that 70% figure translate into real-world adoption over the coming years.

For businesses considering the switch, the advice is clear:

• Start with your most suitable routes
• Plan your charging strategy carefully
• Don't try to electrify everything at once.

As one operator noted, "95% of the diesels would be electric tomorrow if we could."

The appetite is there, the technology is improving, and with the 2030 deadline approaching, electric van adoption is set to accelerate significantly.