More than 90% of electric fleet van drivers would need to rely on on-street public charging for their vehicles, according to new research from Vauxhall.
The brand’s Electric Van Adoption Report revealed that 91% of drivers would depend on kerbside charging options. Additionally, 23% of van fleet operators expressed reluctance to switch from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles due to inadequate on-street charging infrastructure.
The report also found that 81% of businesses would struggle to install EV charging facilities at their own premises.
Despite these challenges, the outlook for electric vans remains positive. 84% of operators surveyed already have at least one electric van in their fleet. Among those who don’t, 90% plan to add an electric van within the next year.
90% of businesses intend to operate EVs exclusively before 2035 — the year the UK Government will ban new petrol and diesel vehicle sales.
“The findings of the Vauxhall Electric Van Adoption Report highlight the growing reliance of UK businesses on residential EV charging infrastructure to make the electric transition,” said Eurig Druce, group managing director for Stellantis UK. “As one of the UK’s oldest, established vehicle manufacturers, we aim to support British businesses to experience all the benefits that EVs offer.”
“Charging at home or work is incredibly convenient, and the charging network on Britain’s major roads is improving at a very rapid pace. However, to ensure fleet operators are comfortable moving to electric, councils need to work with charge point operators to install charge points on residential roads that need it most,” Druce added.
The report is part of Vauxhall’s ‘Electric Streets of Britain‘ campaign, which aims to support UK businesses and drivers transitioning to electric motoring. Vauxhall is collaborating with councils and charge point operators to speed up the development of the UK’s on-street charging network.
The Electric Streets initiative allows drivers to register their need for on-street charging in their area. More than 12,000 streets across the UK have already been identified as requiring charging facilities.
2025 has started positively for EV van adoption and charging infrastructure development. The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) reported a 1.3% growth in electric van uptake in 2024 compared to 2023, with over 75,000 now estimated to be on UK roads.
Zapmap recently reported that there are now over 75,000 public EV chargers across the UK — a 32% year-on-year increase from February 2024. The same period saw a 74% rise in ultra-fast charging facilities that provide 150kW or more.
