Van drivers could cut fuel bills by up to 87% if they made the switch to an electric van, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
As the price of diesel at the pumps hits £2 a litre in parts of the UK, 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%) cite the difference between the fuel prices and the cost of charging an electric van, as a primary reason for making the switch.
The average UK diesel price has risen from around 142p-145p per litre in late 2025 to approximately 183.49p per litre by September 2026.
According to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ research, the average van driver travels 13,190 miles each year, and in a diesel van this would cost them around £2,770 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 £369.24 per year – a saving of £2,400.70 annually.
And, 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, commented: “We know drivers are really feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise, and 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; and this alongside lower servicing costs, a near silent powertrain and smoother driving experience.”
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.1 With prices starting from £26,265 (excluding VAT) with the Plug-in Van Grant deducted6, the ID. Buzz Cargo is available with two trim levels: Commerce and Commerce Plus, both offer a range of business-ready practicality, advanced connectivity, and driver assistance systems.
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 – 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.
For more information, visit https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
