Three quarters (75%) of UK van drivers now believe that a fully electric van would be a suitable choice for their businesses1, up from 67% in 20233, according to research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. With EV consideration on the rise among UK businesses, electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations increased by more than 50% year-on-year2 during the year to June 2025.
The survey of 1,000 UK van drivers reveals cost effectiveness as a key factor driving EV consideration, as 62% of respondents believe that an electric van would now be cheaper to run compared with diesel or petrol alternatives.1
For businesses making the switch to electric, Volkswagen’s Charge Anytime offer with OVO Energy can help drivers to save up to £542 per year4, when smart-charging at home thanks to the low rate of 7p per kWh any time, day or night.5 Additionally, customers benefit from up to 2,000 free miles for their new electric vehicle with Charge Anytime, plus up to 1,000 extra free miles for the next three years, to help van drivers to keep on-the-road costs to a minimum.5
While charging time (49%) and electric range (43%) continue to top concerns about making the transition1, the results show that the majority (69%) of respondents without an electric van on their fleets do expect to purchase one in 2025.1
This is because, according to the survey, businesses are looking for ways to make their businesses more sustainable (52%).1 Also cited was the improved selection of EV options available (37%), leading to greater EV consideration.1
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ enhanced line-up of all-electric vehicles is helping businesses to navigate this transition, with options designed to cater to every customer. This includes the new eTransporter panel van which delivers business-ready practicality, with the 83kWh battery variant producing up to 218PS and an all-electric range of up to 200 miles.6 Customers of the ID. Buzz Cargo, meanwhile, benefit from an all-electric range of up to 277 miles on the 79kWh battery variant, and up to 201 miles on the new entry-level 59kWh variant.7
Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “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.”
1Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK van drivers, conducted in December 2024, covering 2024 calendar year, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
2SMMT LCV registrations here.
3Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK van drivers, conducted in December 2023, covering 2023 calendar year, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
4The £542 saving is based on an average Charge Anytime customer using 3100kWh a year to charge their EV using the Charge Anytime add on. The Charge Anytime rate on 01/07/2025 is 7p per kWh for Charge Anytime charging compared to the OVO’s UK average SVT rate of 24.51p per kWh. Actual savings will vary depending on vehicle efficiency, driving style, EV charging usage and the cost per kWh of your standard home energy tariff. Find out more here.
5Offer open to new or existing customers of OVO Energy who: (1) are UK residents, excluding Northern Ireland, 18+ (2) have an eligible brand new fully electric Company Vehicle from Volkswagen Commercial EV ordered from the 1st January 2025 and (3) activate OVO Energy’s ‘Charge Anytime’. T&Cs apply to OVO Energy’s ‘Charge Anytime’, see here.
6Official test (WLTP) electric range for the new eTransporter panel van.
7Official test (WLTP) electric range for the ID. Buzz Cargo. Max range (official WLTP) for ID. Buzz Cargo is 275 to 276 miles, depending on trim.
