Five Reasons Why You Should Make the Switch to an Electric Van
Are you looking to lower your running costs and electrify your business? Find out the top five benefits of switching to an electric van.
Table of Contents
1. Why you should make the electric switch
2. Five reasons why you should make the switch
As more people make the switch to electric vehicles, the van industry is quickly following suit. Pod Point estimated that as of October 2023, over 50,427 electric vans are now operating on UK roads.
It’s not hard to see why so many van drivers have already made the switch. With zero emissions, long ranges, and cheaper running costs, the benefits speak for themselves.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the top five reasons why you should make the switch to an electric van.
Why you should make the electric switch
There are a whole host of benefits when switching to an electric van. From cost savings, zero road tax, and cheaper servicing and repairs. Why wouldn’t you want to make the switch?
While you might think electric vans are expensive to buy, there’s help available to reduce the cost.
Five reasons why you should make the switch
1. Lower your running costs
One of the biggest reasons you should make the switch to electric is the savings you can make on fuel. Pod Point estimates that the average price of using a home electric charging station is 32p per kWh and 48p per kWh for a public charging point.
Based on a 60kWh battery, they estimate a full charge will cost around £17. When compared to petrol and diesel prices, you could dramatically lower your running costs.
Electric vans are currently also exempt from paying road tax, and charges in Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ).
Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are being introduced in cities including London, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Glasgow. If you regularly drive through these areas and your van doesn’t comply with emission standards, you could face a penalty charge.
2. Petrol and diesel van ban
From 2035, the government will be introducing a ban on the sale of all new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vans.
The ban was set to come into force in 2030, but last year it was announced that it had been pushed back a further five years.
You will still be able to buy a used petrol, diesel, or hybrid van, however, used vans can carry the risk of higher servicing and repair costs. This is due to being out of the manufacturer’s warranty period.
3. Benefit from government grants
Ahead of the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vans, the government has introduced the Plug-In Van Grant (PIVG). The grant helps make the switch to electric more affordable with up to £5,000 off the purchase price of eligible vans.
Small electric vans are eligible for a maximum discount of £2,500. To qualify the van must:
- Have a gross vehicle weight of less than 2,500kg.
- Produce CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km.
- Be able to travel emissions-free for at least 60 miles.
Qualifying small vans include:
- Citroen e-Berlingo
- Fiat e-Doblo
- Maxus eDeliver 3 (short wheelbase variants)
- Nissan Townstar
- Peugeot e-Partner
- Vauxhall Combo-e
Many large vans are eligible for a maximum discount of £5,000. To qualify they must:
- Have a gross vehicle weight between 2,500kg and 4,250kg.
- Produce less than 50g/km of CO2 emissions.
- Travel emissions-free for at least 60 miles.
Qualifying vans include:
- Citroen e-Dispatch
- Citroen e-Relay
- Fiat e-Ducato
- Fiat E-Scudo
- Ford E-Transit
- Maxus eDeliver 3
- Maxus eDeliver 9
- Maxus T90
- Mercedes-Benz eVito
- Mercedes eSprinter
- Peugeot e-Boxer
- Peugeot e-Expert
- Toyota Proace Electric
- Vauxhall Vivaro-e
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo Commerce
We offer all of the electric vans available for the Plug-In Van Grant (PIVG) at Vansdirect. Our expert team can help you get the best deal on your new electric van with our van finance options.
Find out more about the Plug-In Van Grant (PIVG).
4. Reduced maintenance costs
When you switch to an electric van you can look forward to lower servicing and maintenance costs. Electric vans typically have fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel van, making servicing cheaper. That being said, it’s still important to regularly service your electric van in line with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
5. EV technology is constantly evolving
More manufacturers are now focussing their efforts on electric ahead of the petrol and diesel ban. This has resulted in ever-improving technology, longer ranges, and enhanced battery performance.
Make the switch with Vansdirect
At Vansdirect, we can help make the switch to electric simple. Choose your van from our wide range of electric vans and learn more about our van finance options. From van leasing deals to Contract Hire, Hire Purchase, and Van Fleet Leasing, discover the finance option most suited to you.
Contact us today to start making the switch to an electric van.