According to new research, 90% UK small business owners of would be open to going electric when upgrading the vehicles they use for their work.
The study by Confused.com, which surveyed 500 UK small business owners, has uncovered whether van drivers who work in industries like transport, construction, retail and manufacturing are likely to switch to an electric vehicle (EV), and what could be holding them back.
Some of the top reasons motivating business owners to switch to EVs include: environmental benefits, 31%, lower running costs, 27%, financial incentives, 17%, and improved technology and features, 12%.
Confused.com said this shift in signals a growing recognition of both the financial and environmental benefits of going electric. Some of these benefits include cutting fuel costs, tax waivers and reducing carbon footprints, it noted.
A minority of 7% said they would be unlikely to consider an EV. These drivers cited that they prefer to stay with what they know and stick to a diesel or petrol-powered van, even when in need of an upgrade.
Almost a third, 31%, stated reducing emissions as the main reason they would consider electric for their next van. Confused.com added that many van drivers want to cut costs, improve efficiency and stay ahead of regulations. A total of 27% of business owners said that lower running costs associated with EVs would be an incentive to switch.
Barriers and concerns
Despite the enthusiasm, Confused.com stated that some key barriers remain, as the van drivers surveyed also highlighted their reservations about switching. The main one is charging time, with 28% of business owners outlining this as a concern over purchasing an EV. One in seven, 13%, also have concerns about there being insufficient charging infrastructure in public places.
Another concern that van drivers have about switching to electric is the cost of maintenance. One in four, 26%, stated this as something that could hold them back from making the switch. According to AutoTrader insight, EVs can be cheaper to maintain due to having fewer moving parts. Confused.com added that this hints that small business owners need more information on how they could be saving money by switching to an EV.
Rhydian Jones, motor insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “It’s great to see such strong support for electric vans among UK business owners. A 90% adoption rate would be a game-changer for businesses and the environment. However, concerns around charging times, infrastructure, and costs are understandable.
“Whenever considering a new vehicle for work or for pleasure, it’s also worth sitting down and working out all of the associated costs. This includes fuel, maintenance and insurance. You could be surprised as it might work out cheaper in the long run. It’s also important to state the classes of use of the van to ensure you have the right van insurance cover. This can also impact the overall cost.
“As technology advances and charging networks expand, we expect to see even greater confidence in electric vans as a practical and cost-effective choice for businesses.”
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