Electric Van Adoption Relies On National Infrastructure Overhaul
29/04/2025 09:37 Share
Electric Van Adoption Relies On National Infrastructure Overhaul
The UK’s ambition to become a ‘net zero nation’ is being severely impacted by the slower-than-necessary rollout of infrastructure required to handle the number of electric vans on the road the government has mandated.
According to analysis by the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders), companies face a wait of up to 15 years for grid connections to sufficiently connect electric van fleets in depots, in addition to the vast numbers of public charging stations still needed to accommodate larger vehicles.
As it stands, the ZEV (zero emission vehicles) mandate set out by the government has set a target of 16% of new van sales in 2025 to be electric, rising to 34% by the end of 2027. The sale of diesel vans will be phased out by 2035.
However, the UK is on track to miss these targets with just 8.3% of new van sales in the UK currently electric, while projections suggest this will only rise to 25% by the end of 2027, well below government targets.
The lethargic uptake of electric vans is not the responsibility of manufacturers, most of which now offer an EV version of their models. In fact, more than half of vans models available in the UK are now electric.
However, the SMMT says there remains several hurdles for electric van sales, primarily an unprepared infrastructure network that makes such a switch unfeasible.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: “We cannot deliver net zero and improve air quality without decarbonising commercial vehicles.
“But if operators have to wait up to 15 years just to be able to plug them into their depots, there is no case for investment.
“Prioritising grid connections, alongside reform to planning and action on energy costs, would reduce barriers to adoption, ensuring commercial vehicles continue to carry the loads that keep our economy on the move whilst doing the heavy lifting the nation needs to reach net zero.”
Potential CO2 Savings Greater Than Sweden’s Carbon Footprint
The analysis from SMMT emphasises the importance of significantly reducing the reliance of diesel commercial vehicles.
It says 5.1 million vans are currently on UK roads transporting 80% of all domestic freight and contributing £13.5 billion to the economy each year.
Vans make up 14% of all vehicles on the road, but higher mileage and energy demands make them responsible for more than a third of all road transport CO2. In all, it represents 12% of the UK’s entire carbon footprint.
By swapping out conventionally fuelled commercial vehicles for electric models, the UK would ‘deliver a CO2 savings greater than the total carbon footprint of Sweden’.
Without depot charging and access to charging facilities suitable for larger commercial vehicles, however, the UK will fall well short of its ‘net zero nation’ targets, the SMMT insists.
Lease An Electric Van With Vansdirect
Leasing a new electric van with Vansdirect has never been easier and better value.
Get the right electric van at the right deal, right now with the best van leasing deals available across a wide range of models, including the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo and Vauxhall Vivaro Electric.
Speak to our expert team today and you could be driving a new electric van for less than you think, sooner than you thought.
Latest vans in stock
Citroen Berlingo M Diesel 1.5 BlueHDi 100ps Van Enterprise
- Air Conditioning
- Rear Parking Sensors
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 315Cdi L3 Diesel Rwd 3.5t H2 Pro Van
- Air Conditioning
- Multimedia System with Touchscreen
- Reversing Camera
Ford Transit Custom 280 L1 Diesel Fwd 2.0 EcoBlue 136ps H1 Van Limited
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- Heated Seats
Citroen Dispatch M Diesel 1.5 BlueHDi 120ps Van Enterprise
- Air Conditioning
- Rear Parking Sensors
Ford Ranger Diesel Pick Up Double Cab Wildtrak 2.0 EcoBlue 205 Auto
- Alloy Wheels
- Reversing Camera
- Sat Nav
Citroen Relay 3500 L2 Diesel 2.2 BlueHDi 140 H2 Van Enterprise
- Air Conditioning
- Rear Parking Sensors
Citroen Berlingo E-M 100kW 52kWh Van Enterprise Auto
- Air Conditioning
- Rear Parking Sensors
Man Tge 3 Long Diesel 180 Lion XC High Roof Van
- Sat Nav
- Reversing Camera
Renault Kangoo L1 Diesel ML19 Blue dCi 95 Extra Van
- Air Conditioning
- Automatic Headlights
- Multimedia System with Touchscreen
Maxus Deliver 9 Lwb Diesel Fwd 2.0 D20 150 High Roof Van
- Apple Car Play/Android Auto
- Reversing Camera
- Air Conditioning
- Front + Rear Parking Sensors
Peugeot Partner Standard Diesel 1.5 BlueHDi 100 Professional Van
- Air Conditioning
- Rear Parking Sensors
Vauxhall Combo Cargo Combo Diesel 1.5 Turbo D 100ps Prime H1 Van
- Flex Cargo 3 Seats
- Multimedia System with Touchscreen
- Air Conditioning
- Rear Parking Sensors
Citroen Berlingo M Diesel 1.5 BlueHDi 100ps Van Driver
- Sat Nav
- Air Conditioning
- Reversing Camera
Renault Kangoo L2 Diesel LL21 Blue dCi 95 Extra Van
- Air Conditioning
- Front + Rear Parking Sensors
- Multimedia System with Touchscreen
Ford Transit Courier Diesel 1.5 EcoBlue Trend Van
- DAB Radio
- Heated Mirrors
Citroen Berlingo Xl Diesel 1.5 BlueHDi 100ps Crew Van Enterprise
- Air Conditioning
- Rear Parking Sensors