Interest in electric vans spikes on Auto Trader
Interest in electric vans has increased by 75% in a year according to new data by Auto Trader.
Its data found that there were 89,414 views of electric vans on its platform in September.
This represents a rise of 75% on September 2024, while views for diesel vans dropped by 16% over the same period.
The increase in views is driven by a greater choice of models and a growing interest in zero-emission alternatives with lower running costs as well as the recent extension of the government’s plug in van and truck grant, which offers discounts of up to £5,000 on the retail prices of electric vans.
Diesel demand
However, diesel-powered vans still dominate buyer interest, with 586,178 views representing 72% compared to 11% for electric vans.
The contrast is even more stark in the used van market, with 10 million advert views for diesel vans compared to just 441,000 for electric vans.
To support the move to electric vans, Auto Trader is urging the government to expand the Plug-in Van Grant to include more models, develop charging infrastructure for larger vans, and remove the VAT surcharge on public charging points.
Consumer shift
Ian Plummer, commercial director, said: “Diesel has dominated for a long time but there is undoubtedly change in the air as a bigger choice of models and government grants turn tradespeople towards electric van options.
“The barriers in the van market mirror the car market, where we know upfront cost is the number one issue – once there are more affordable options in the market, we should see adoption rise.”
