New research has revealed that van operators are being put off electrification because of a lack of charging infrastructure…
Van Operators Put Off EVs
New research, conducted by Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), suggests that van operators are delaying electrification because of inadequate charging infrastructure. Whilst the vast majority of them (88%) intend to electrify by 2035, a fifth have stated that they’re prepared to delay their decision by three to seven years. Crucially though, 58% have said that they’d adopt an earlier date if more public charging points were made available.
The research also revealed that 57% of people who either own or lease a van aren’t confident that they’d be able to find an appropriate charging point. A paltry one in eight drivers said that they’d never consider going electric; meaning that they’ll, undoubtedly, be disappointed by the government’s 2030 ban on new diesel and petrol sales.
Devising A ‘Van Plan’
There are in excess of four million vans on the UK’s roads. As a result, electrifying them would make a significant difference in reducing harmful and climate-ravaging emissions.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented on the research. He said, “Britain’s businesses run on vans. If we’re to deliver the nation’s carbon emission cuts, we need them to move to electric. There’s an electric van to suit every business case. But we need a ‘van plan’ to ensure zero-emission driving works for the millions of people for whom their van is their livelihood and the millions more who rely on these workhorses for the delivery of their daily needs”.
He added, “the automotive industry is getting these new technology vehicles into the showrooms. We need Government and other stakeholders to match our commitments to get them out on the road”.
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