The transition to electric vehicles is progressing more slowly for vans and other light commercial vehicles (LCVs) than for passenger cars, according to industry experts.
More than five million LCVs currently operate on UK roads, yet only around 2% are electric. Approximately one in ten new van registrations in 2025 were electric models, highlighting the slower pace of adoption compared with the passenger car market.
Ryan Long, Head of LCV at leasing and fleet management company Zenith, said many van drivers remain cautious about switching to electric models.
“Many everyday van drivers who have one or two vehicles are becoming increasingly concerned about the transition to electric,” Long said. “Hesitation and uncertainty around switching to electric LCVs means demand remains relatively slow.”
Technology improving but perceptions lag
Long said there remains a disconnect between how quickly electric van technology is advancing and drivers’ perceptions of its capabilities.
“Until LCV drivers feel confident that product capability, operational performance and costs are comparable to their diesel or petrol vans, the transition will continue to lag,” he said.
However, the range of available electric vans has expanded significantly in recent years. Many models now include advanced safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.
Some electric vans also provide onboard power for tools and equipment, allowing businesses to operate without separate generators.
Charging and range concerns remain barriers
Charging infrastructure and range anxiety remain key issues for commercial vehicle operators.
While electric vans can be charged overnight or at workplace charging points, drivers accustomed to rapid refuelling often find the transition to longer charging times challenging.
“Van drivers are used to a five-minute fill-up before hitting the road again,” Long said. “Charging takes longer, and the experience needs to be as frictionless as possible to encourage adoption.”
Advances in battery technology are gradually improving range performance, with newer vehicles demonstrating longer operational capabilities.
Cost remains a major factor
Although electric vans can deliver lower running costs than diesel equivalents, higher upfront purchase prices remain a barrier for many businesses.
Government incentives such as the UK’s Plug-in Van and Truck Grants have been extended until at least April 2027, helping reduce the purchase price of eligible electric vans.
Long said financial incentives remain important to accelerating adoption.
“While running costs such as charging are typically lower than petrol or diesel, the upfront price of many electric vans is still higher,” he said.
Assessing whether electric vans are suitable
Experts say businesses considering electric vans should evaluate how their vehicles are used on a daily basis.
Key factors include daily mileage, access to charging infrastructure and typical payload requirements.
“Electrification isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision,” Long said. “What works for one operator may be completely unsuitable for another.”
For drivers covering shorter daily distances and with access to reliable charging, electric vans may already be a practical option.
“The clearer drivers are on how they actually use their van day to day, the easier it becomes to identify where an electric van could fit in with minimal disruption,” Long added.
