Seven-in-ten van fleet drivers would prefer to drive electric

AROUND 70% van fleet drivers would prefer the electric version of their favoured van over the petrol or diesel alternative according to research from Churchill Expert, Direct Line Group’s specialist fleet insurance provider.

This shows there is significant appetite for electric vans, with just 15% of van drivers preferring petrol or diesel powered models.

Demand for electric vans is on the rise. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders, January 2023 saw a significant increase in demand for Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) vans , as new registrations rose to 993 units last month, compared to 647 units in January 2022 – a 53.5% increase. Registrations for BEV vans grew by 31.2% throughout 2022, with its UK market outlook forecasting a 60.7%rise in 2023.

Van fleet drivers’ six preferred commercial van models

Position	Van model	Proportion
1	Ford Transit	33 per cent
2	Ford Transit custom	27 per cent
3	Ford Transit connect	20 per cent
4	Citroen Berlingo	17 per cent
5	Fiat Ducato	17 per cent
6	Mercedes-Benz Sprinter	16 per cent

Source: Churchill Expert, 2022

Churchill Expert’s research saw van fleet drivers vote the Ford Transit (33% of votes) as their favourite model, followed closely by its variations – the Ford Transit Custom (27%) and Ford Transit Connect (%). The Citroen Berlingo (17%), Fiat Ducato (17%), and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (16%) were voted as the fourth, fifth, and sixth most popular models.

Electric versions of the most popular vans are available, including the Ford e-transit, Citroen e-Berlingo and the Mercedes-Benz e-Vito. The findings for most popular vans reflect similar trends from SMMT’s data on bestselling vans, showing the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit as the two most sold vans in 2022.

Nicola Richmond, head of Churchill Expert Flexible Fleet Partnerships, said: “Internal combustion engine (ICE) vans continue to make up the majority of fleets, but attitudes towards electric vans are rapidly changing. New BEV van registrations are showing strong growth, as supply chain issues start to improve and the choice of electric vans coming to market improves.

“With the 2030, ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles fast approaching, it is encouraging to see a growing appetite for electric amongst van fleet drivers. Electrification is not an overnight process but the industry moving in the right direction.”