Electric vans are significantly cheaper to run than their traditional diesel counterparts, costing just a fifth of what it would cost a diesel van per mile.
The average cost per mile of a diesel van will be 19.29 pence per mile, whilst running an electric van will cost just 8.51 pence per mile, a saving of 77%.
This data is from green motoring consultancy New AutoMotive’s Electric Van Count (EVC), the same organisation that release the industry-renowned Electric Car Count – the most up-to-date and comprehensive electric car sales data in the UK.
Ciara Cook, Research and Policy Officer at New AutoMotive, said:
“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, demonstrating the confidence businesses have in electric vans.
“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 vehicles types, New AutoMotive has calculated that the average cost per mile of a diesel van will be 19.29 pence per mile, whilst running an electric van will cost just 8.51 pence 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 6 months, and it's likely businesses will need further reassurance that their bills will not increase again in March. The government should indicate early how businesses will be supported after this scheme ends, to ensure the long-term cost savings of switching to electric are maintained.”
Tristan Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of Packfleet, the London-based all-electric delivery company, also commented, “When I first set up Packfleet, I wanted to disrupt the logistics sector as much as possible - that meant electrification and improving driver standards was always at the forefront. 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, paired with the range of benefits we offer our drivers (full time wage, holiday/sick pay, invites to staff socials etc.) means Packfleet’s workforce is as happy as it is sustainable. It’s great to see that despite the economic turbulence, it’s getting easier for businesses to electrify their fleet 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.”
For a full breakdown of electric vehicle sales by manufacturer, region and details of data sourcing and methodology you can view an interactive dashboard here. You can find a summary of the June EVC report below, and the full EVC report here.