Van Drivers Consider EVs As Fuel Prices Rocket
With diesel prices at £2 per litre, van drivers could cut fuel bills by up to 87% if they switch to electric, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Van drivers are looking more closely at the cost of running their vehicles. In a survey of over 1,000 UK van drivers, over half (58%) cited the difference between fuel prices and the cost of charging an electric van as a primary reason for thinking about making the switch.
The average UK diesel price had risen from around 142p-145p per litre in late 2025 to approximately 183.49p per litre by September 2026 and prices have continued rising. Petrol prices at the pump have also risen sharply in the past weeks.
Huge savings
According to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ research, the average van driver travels 13,1901 miles each year, and in a diesel van this would cost them around £2,7703 per year in fuel. If that same driver switched to an electric van, charged at home or overnight in a depot, this would fall by 87% to £369.244 per year, representing a whopping £2,400.70 saving annually.
More receptive
Drivers are more receptive to electric vehicles than ever before. 66% of van drivers surveyed think EVs are suitable for their business and 61% plan to purchase an electric van in the next 12 months.
John Ricardo-Neto, Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, told Installation Eye: “We know drivers are really feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise. This is all too apparent when van drivers fill up at the pumps. Fuel costs have gone up by 30% over the last year and this is making electric vans an even more attractive choice.
“This research highlights that the savings that could be made on fuel are significant, impacting businesses’ bottom line. Electric vans also have lower servicing costs, a near silent powertrain and offer a smoother driving experience.”
One charge per week
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo with a standard 79 kWh net battery delivers 286 PS (210 kW) of power and a WLTP electric range of up to 277 miles, equivalent to one charge per week. With prices starting from £26,265 (excluding VAT) with the Plug-in Van Grant deducted, the ID. Buzz Cargo is available with two trim levels of Commerce and Commerce Plus. Both offer a range of business-ready practicality, advanced connectivity and driver assistance systems.
Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. WLTP range is the official distance an electric or fuel-powered vehicle can travel on a single charge or tank, measured through a standardized 30-minute laboratory test.
Heavy duty
With a growing range of products and services designed to support businesses making the switch to electric, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ all-electric line-up also includes the new e-Transporter which is a heavy-duty commercial vehicle ready for long workdays, with up to 6.8m3 of load volume and 1.0 tonne of payload capacity (depending on trim). It can travel up to 225 miles on a single charge.
Picture by Dean Smith: The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo. Van drivers are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) because of rising fuel prices.
Van drivers are starting to look more closely at the cost of running their vehicles as diesel hits the £2.00 per litre mark and petrol at the pump continues to rise.
