Electric vans are cheaper to run than their diesel counterparts

The average cost per mile of a diesel van is 19.29p, whilst running an electric van costs just 8.51p per mile (a saving of 77%) according to New AutoMotive’s Electric Van Count (EVC).

Ciara Cook, Research and Policy Officer at New AutoMotive, says: “September was a difficult month for many businesses, especially with the uncertainty around what support would be offered for those struggling with the energy crisis. Despite this, electric vans continue to be registered at record levels.

“With the government’s package for businesses now in place, electric vans are considerably cheaper to run than their diesel counterparts. Using average energy efficiency figures for both vehicle types, New AutoMotive has calculated that the average cost per mile of a diesel van is 19.29p, whilst running an electric van costs just 8.51p per mile – meaning electric is 77% cheaper to run per mile than diesel.

“It is worth recognising that some level of uncertainty still exists. Government support is only guaranteed for six months, and businesses will need further reassurance that their bills will not increase again in March. The government should indicate how businesses will be supported after this scheme ends to ensure that the long-term cost savings of switching to electric are maintained.”

UK market overview

The UK van market has increased by 10% from September 2021, marking a significant rise in the van market. September is usually a bumper month for registrations and to record an increase in registrations compared to the same month last year will be seen as a positive sign by the industry. Although electric vans continue to be the fastest growing market segment, diesel dominance is still evident.

Brands quickest to electrify

For the fourth time in a row, Maxus tops the list with 51% of its total registrations being electric. Vauxhall comes in second, with 18% of its total registrations being electric this month. Ford, as one of the most popular van brands, sits in ninth spot with only 1% of its vans being electric, despite registering a respectable 180 electric vans this month.

The race for EV market share

The manufacturer with the highest electric van sales is Vauxhall, accounting for 44% of all electric sales this month. September was a strong month for the marque, with Vauxhall selling 483 more electric vans than in September 2021. Maxus has also had a strong month, accounting for 14% of electric vans registered and cementing its reputation as a manufacturer to watch out for. The top three manufacturers accounted for 69% of all electric van sales this month.

Tristan Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of Packfleet, adds: “When I first set up Packfleet, I wanted to disrupt the logistics sector as much as possible – that meant electrification and improving driver standards. We’ve had no problem charging, storing and operating our all-electric fleet, and we’ve found that drivers are enjoying them more than petrol vans. This means Packfleet’s workforce is as happy as they are sustainable.

“It’s great to see that despite the economic turbulence, it’s getting easier for businesses to electrify their fleets due to the range of vehicles available on the market. As the owner of a logistics company, the cost per mile is something that I pay particular attention too, and the fact we’re saving 77% compared to our petrol-using competitors gives us a huge advantage.”