A new study by Transport & Environment (T&E) has found that electric vans are on average 25% cheaper to run per kilometre than the average diesel model.
Analysis by independent European cleaner transport campaign body T&E has shown that, as well as being better for the climate, electric vans (eLCVs) are cheaper overall than comparable diesel vans.
Over a five year cycle, taking into account the total upfront and continued running costs, eLCVs proved 25% cheaper to run then diesel versions. The survey analysed six countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, which account for more than three-quarters of new vans sold in the region.
A survey of 745 fleets across Europe – including more than 120 in the UK – showed that the message of cheaper running costs is already getting through, with more than a third (36%) of those fleets already having at least one electric van, while another third (32%) planned to add one this year.
Despite apparent willingness on the part of fleet managers and drivers, there could well be issues in future as supply is lagging behind demand. Sales of eLCVs in 2021 accounted for 3.5% on new vans, while electric cars accounted for 11.5% of new car sales.