On-Street Charging Shortage Blamed for Slow Electric Van Adoption in the UK
British businesses are citing a lack of on-street charging as the primary impediment to adopting electric vans, according to a recent report released by Vauxhall. The study highlights the need for improved charging infrastructure to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for commercial fleets.
The report indicates that 91% of van operators believe their drivers need access to residential on-street charging before they can realistically switch to EVs. Furthermore, nearly a quarter (23%) of those surveyed identified the absence of such charging facilities as the single greatest hurdle in making the transition.
The research, which consulted businesses across various sectors, found that despite a strong desire to transition to electric vans, many companies perceive the current charging infrastructure as inadequate to support such a move.
Strong Interest in EV Adoption
The research also underscores a significant interest in adopting electric vans among UK businesses. Of the 2,000 companies surveyed, 83% already operate at least one electric model, highlighting the perceived benefits of EVs for businesses. A substantial 91% believe that transitioning to an all-electric van fleet would positively impact the public’s perception of their company.
Moreover, 90% of those who don’t currently use an electric van plan to acquire at least one within the next year. While businesses don’t anticipate being able to fully electrify their fleets before late 2028, 90% of fleet operators are aiming for a completely electric fleet by 2035 – the date set by the UK government for a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles.
Addressing the Charging Infrastructure Challenge
Eurig Druce, group managing director for Stellantis UK (Vauxhall’s parent company), emphasized the importance of readily available charging options. “Charging at home or work is incredibly convenient, and the charging network on Britain’s major roads is improving at a very rapid pace,” Druce stated. “However, to ensure fleet operators are comfortable moving to electric, councils need to work with charge point operators to install charge points on residential roads that need it most.”
Druce also mentioned Vauxhall’s ongoing “Electric Streets of Britain” campaign, which invites residents, businesses, and fleet operators to register their on-street charging needs. This data is then passed to local authorities to help inform decisions about where to install new chargers.
