Vansdirect Steps Up To Support Growing Commercial EV Demand
Businesses across the UK are increasingly turning to electric vans as the economics of running commercial fleets continue to improve, according to leading vehicle retailer Vansdirect.
Ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, the online van retailer, which is part of Vertu Motors plc, says it has seen a significant increase in enquiries and sales of electric commercial vehicles as businesses look to reduce operating costs while preparing for a lower-emission future.
So far this year, Vansdirect has seen a 46% increase in visits to electric van web pages and a 123% rise in orders over the same period as it strengthens its position as an sector leader in the commercial EV marketplace.
Vansdirect is working closely with the major eLCV manufacturers – including the likes of Farizon with its full range of all-electric vans - to offer the greatest range of products to customers.
Across the UK, electric vans now account for around 22,000 new registrations per year, with adoption up nearly 8% year-on-year, supported by improvements in vehicle range, a growing choice of models and government incentives such as the Plug-in Van Grant.
The growth reflects a wider shift across the commercial vehicle sector, with more businesses viewing electrification as a practical business decision rather than purely an environmental one.
Mark Gittens, National Sales Manager at Vansdirect, said: "There has been a noticeable change in the conversations we are having with customers. A few years ago, businesses were often exploring electric vans because they felt they should. Today, they are increasingly choosing them because they make commercial sense.
"Running costs are lower, maintenance requirements are reduced and many operators are becoming more confident that electric vehicles can meet their day-to-day needs, particularly with the ever-improving nature of both charging infrastructure and billing solutions.
“The sharp rise in orders, particularly in recent months, reflects growing confidence among customers who are moving beyond enquiry to making purchasing decisions. For a growing number of businesses, the question is no longer whether they should consider electric vans, but when."
For many operators, particularly those undertaking regular urban or regional journeys, electric vehicles are proving increasingly capable of replacing traditional diesel vans while delivering lower fuel and maintenance costs.
This is reflected not only in increased interest, but in a significantly higher rate of conversion from enquiry to order.
World Environment Day, organised by the United Nations, aims to encourage action to reduce environmental impact and promote more sustainable practices.
Road transport remains one of the UK's largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with vans accounting for a significant proportion of commercial traffic on Britain's roads.
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: "World Environment Day provides an opportunity to recognise the progress that is being made across a range of industries as organisations look to reduce their environmental impact.
"In the commercial vehicle sector, the transition to lower-emission transport is clearly underway. However, for businesses, sustainability and commercial viability must go hand in hand.
"What we are seeing is that when electric vehicles can deliver the right operational performance and a compelling cost proposition, businesses are increasingly willing to make the transition. The significant growth in customer engagement and order volumes seen by Vansdirect highlights how quickly this shift is gathering pace.
“While diesel and petrol vehicles will continue to play an important role for many years, there is growing confidence among fleet operators that electric vans can form a larger part of their future plans."
