Commercial drivers attracted by EV running costs
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More than half of commercial drivers now believe an electric van is more cost effective to run than a petrol or diesel alternative.
According to a study carried out by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK, 52% of van drivers say an EV would reduce their running costs, while more than two thirds say it would suit their daily business needs.
The temptation to go electric is stronger in London, with 29% of respondents saying the ULEZ expansion could be a reason to go electric.
However, while reliability not identified as a concern, more than half (57%) of respondents said that longer charging times was an issue.
Craig Cavanagh, national fleet manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “There’s no doubt that UK businesses are seriously considering when and how to make the switch to EVs. Van drivers are recognising the benefits, not only from a sustainability point of view, but also from the perspective of being more cost effective than petrol and diesel models. This is particularly true for those located in or around London, following the growth of the ULEZ zone and the Mayor of London’s scrappage scheme fund.”