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Are Electric Vans Right for Your Business?
Electric vans are becoming a much more realistic option for UK businesses, but switching away from petrol or diesel isn’t a decision that should be based on running costs alone.
For some businesses, an electric van can fit neatly into the working day, particularly when journeys are predictable and there’s somewhere convenient to charge. For others, longer distances, carrying requirements or limited access to charging can make the decision less straightforward.
So, how do electric vans work, what are the advantages and what should your business consider before making the switch?
An electric van works the same way as an electric car. Instead of a petrol or diesel engine, it uses an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. There are no tailpipe emissions while driving, and the battery can be recharged at a workplace, at home or using the UK’s public charging network.
Electric vehicles also have fewer moving components than traditional combustion engines. There is no engine oil to change and no exhaust system, which can mean fewer routine maintenance requirements.
One of the biggest attractions for businesses is the potential to reduce day-to-day running costs. Charging at a workplace or overnight on a suitable electricity tariff can work out cheaper per mile than filling a diesel van, although the amount you save will depend heavily on where and how you charge.
Maintenance is another consideration. With fewer moving components within the electric powertrain, there are fewer traditional service items to maintain. Electric vans still require regular servicing and checks, of course, with tyres, brakes and other components continuing to need attention.
For businesses operating regularly in towns and cities, zero tailpipe emissions can also be useful when travelling through areas where emissions-based charging schemes operate.
Range is understandably one of the first questions businesses have when considering an electric van.
The important question isn’t necessarily “Which electric van has the longest range?” but “How many miles does our van actually cover in a normal working day?”
If a vehicle follows fairly predictable routes and returns somewhere it can be charged at the end of the day, an electric van can be relatively easy to incorporate into a business. If journeys regularly change at short notice or involve substantial motorway mileage, more planning may be required.
It’s also worth remembering that the advertised range isn’t guaranteed. Payload, temperature, driving speed and use of heating or air conditioning can all influence how far an electric vehicle travels between charges.Range isn’t the only figure that matters when choosing a commercial vehicle. A van still needs to do its actual job.
Battery packs add weight, so it’s important to compare the payload of an electric van with the equipment, stock or materials your business regularly carries. Load space, towing requirements and vehicle dimensions should also be considered before choosing a particular model.
This is where looking at your current van can be surprisingly useful. Think about what you regularly carry rather than the maximum amount you might need once or twice a year. That gives you a much better starting point when comparing electric commercial vehicles.
For many businesses, charging will have just as much influence on the decision as driving range.
If vans return to a depot or workplace overnight, installing dedicated charge points can allow them to recharge while they're not being used. Drivers taking company vans home may also be able to charge there, depending on their parking arrangements and access to a suitable charger.
Public charging provides another option when travelling further afield, particularly as rapid chargers can add a useful amount of range during a break. However, businesses relying heavily on public charging should consider charging costs and the time vehicles may spend away from their normal route.
Planning where most of your charging will actually take place is therefore an important part of working out the true cost and practicality of switching.
| Electric Van | Diesel Van | |
| Day-to-day energy costs | Can be lower, particularly with workplace or off-peak charging | Dependent on diesel prices |
| Routine maintenance | Fewer traditional powertrain service items | More mechanical components and service items |
| Driving range | Requires consideration of range and charging | Typically suited to longer distances without lengthy stops |
| Urban driving | Quiet, smooth and zero tailpipe emissions | May be affected by emissions-based charging zones |
| Refuelling/charging | Charging can take longer and requires planning | Quick refueling with widespread fuel stations |
| Purchase price | Can cost more upfront depending on the vehicle | Often lower upfront cost on comparable models |
The purchase price shouldn't be considered in isolation either. Looking at the total cost of ownership can give a clearer picture by taking energy, servicing, taxation and other operating costs into account over the period you expect to keep the van.
Businesses considering electric vans may also be able to get support towards the cost of installing workplace charging.
The government's Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is currently available until 31 March 2027. Eligible businesses can receive support covering up to 75% of the purchase and installation cost, capped at £500 per socket, with applications available for up to 40 sockets across their sites.
Eligibility requirements apply, so businesses should check the latest government guidance before planning an installation or making decisions based on the grant.
The best place to start is with your existing vehicles.
Look at how many miles they cover during a typical working day, where they're parked overnight and how often they make unexpected longer journeys. It's also worth checking what you regularly carry and how much downtime would realistically be available for charging.
A business completing predictable daily journeys with reliable access to overnight charging could find the transition relatively straightforward. A van covering high daily mileage with an unpredictable schedule may need more careful consideration.
There's no benefit in choosing an electric van purely because it's electric. The vehicle still needs to work around your business rather than your business having to work around the vehicle.
The growing choice of electric commercial vehicles is also changing what businesses can expect from a van.
Kia's new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) range is one example, with the all-electric Kia PV5 designed specifically around commercial use. The PV5 Cargo offers up to 258 miles of WLTP electric range, with rapid charging capable of taking the battery from 10–80% in around 30 minutes. Depending on the version, it can also provide up to 4.4m³ of cargo space and a payload of up to 800kg.
The PBV range is also set to expand with the Kia PV7, due to join the line-up in 2027. Sitting above the PV5, the larger electric van is being developed to offer greater capacity and longer-distance capability, giving businesses even more choice within Kia's growing electric commercial vehicle range.
For businesses considering their next commercial vehicle, models such as the PV5 show just how much electric vans have developed in terms of usable range and practicality.
At TMS Motor Group, our team can help businesses understand their vehicle requirements, explore electric commercial vehicle options and decide whether making the switch to an electric van makes sense for the way they work.
