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70% of Van Fleet Drivers Now Prefer Electric: What It Reveals & What It Means for Your Business

  • 1st October 2025

Why This Trend Is Important for Leasing Customers

Recent research indicates that 70% of van fleet drivers express a preference to drive electric vans over petrol or diesel vehicles. This signals more than just a shift in sentiment — it suggests a turning point in fleet electrification.

For businesses thinking of leasing or upgrading fleets, this is a key moment. Demand, policy alignment, cost pressures, and environmental commitments are combining to make electric van leasing a strategic choice.

The Study & Supporting Evidence

The figure comes from a study cited by Churchill Expert, showing that 7 in 10 van drivers would prefer an electric van, while only 15% still favour petrol or diesel.

Additional surveys support this:

  • A Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles survey revealed that 75% of UK van drivers now believe an electric van can meet their business needs.

  • The UK government’s Electric Van Research (2025) confirms growing adoption, highlighting charging patterns, enablers, and barriers.

  • Previous reports showed that more than 50% of van drivers planned to switch to EVs by 2025, a trend now accelerating.

Together, this evidence shows the 70% figure reflects a real market shift.

What’s Driving the Shift

  1. Cost Savings – Lower fuel and servicing costs, plus savings on road tax and low emission zone charges.

  2. Environmental Commitments – Businesses with net zero targets see electric vans as essential.

  3. Policy Pressure – The 2030 ban on petrol/diesel van sales adds urgency.

  4. Better Vehicles – New electric vans now offer stronger ranges, higher payloads, and improved performance.

Barriers & Challenges

While interest is high, there are still hurdles to overcome:

  • Range limitations under heavy loads or long routes.

  • Charging infrastructure gaps, especially for depots or long-haul use.

  • Grid upgrade costs for larger fleets needing depot chargers.

  • Knowledge gaps among decision-makers unsure where to start.

Implications for Your Business

  • First-mover advantage – businesses adopting EVs now get ahead of competitors.

  • Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) – EVs often save money over their lifecycle.

  • Hybrid fleets – a mix of EV and ICE vans may suit businesses transitioning gradually.

  • Infrastructure planning – businesses should prepare for depot charging early.

Explore Our Electric Van Leasing Options

With demand rising and more drivers keen to switch, now is the perfect time to explore electric van leasing.

✅ Fast & Free UK Delivery
✅ Ready to Drive – Immediate Availability
✅ Full Maintenance & Tyres Included
✅ No Deposit Option Available

Explore Our Electric Car & Van Lease Offers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes — recent studies confirm this preference. Other surveys also show 75% believe EV vans now meet business needs.

New petrol and diesel vans will be banned from sale in 2030.

The main barriers are charging infrastructure, real-world range, and depot power upgrades.

Start with route analysis, trial leasing EV vans, and plan depot charging infrastructure.

About Us

Stable Vehicle Contracts has helped thousands of UK businesses lease reliable vans since 2009. As part of a main Volkswagen and Audi dealership group, we offer fixed monthly pricing, expert guidance, and fast UK-wide delivery. With 1,500+ five-star reviews, we're trusted by local trades and large fleets alike.