The UK’s tradespeople are turning their backs on electric vans despite significant discounts offered by manufacturers, with sales falling short of government targets. The reluctance stems from concerns over high purchase prices, limited charging infrastructure, and range anxiety.
Electric van sales have been declining across the UK, with the current market share standing at just 8%, falling short of the 16% target required under the Zero Emissions Mandate this year. New electric vans command premium prices of up to £20,000 more than their diesel equivalents, with the most expensive Iveco model priced at £58,000.
Used electric vans, although often more affordable than comparable diesel models, still face resistance from potential buyers. Data from Auto Trader shows that used electric vans take 12 days longer to sell than diesel alternatives, highlighting a significant confidence crisis in the electric van market.
The uneven distribution of charging infrastructure across the UK has been identified as a key barrier to electric van adoption. Nearly half (43%) of public charge points are concentrated in London and the southeast, leaving tradespeople in other regions with limited access. “Van-friendly charge points are still too scarce, and without the ability to reserve chargers or access simple, reliable payment systems, operators face unnecessary downtime,” said Toby Poston, Chief Executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.
Range limitations present another significant hurdle for electric van adoption. Electric vans typically offer less than half the range of their diesel counterparts, which can travel between 500 and 600 miles on a single tank. This substantial difference in operational range creates practical concerns for tradespeople and the over 4.6 million van users in the UK who often travel long distances or work in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
“There’s a confidence crisis among tradespeople in going electric,” said Tom Roberts, Commercial Vehicle expert at Auto Trader. “Prices of used vans are coming down, but if we want to encourage white van men and women to go green, we need more charging points, spread more evenly around the country.”
Government Response
The Department for Transport has announced measures to make it cheaper to install electric vehicle charge points. Tradespeople can also apply for up to £5,000 in grants for electric vans, aiming to encourage the adoption of greener vehicles.
As the UK continues to push towards its Zero Emissions Mandate targets, addressing the concerns of tradespeople regarding electric vans remains crucial. The industry requires a more comprehensive charging infrastructure and competitive pricing to boost confidence in electric vehicles.
