Why switch to an electric van: benefits for small businesses
Today the pace of change has never been so fast! Small businesses are under more pressure than ever to adapt, reduce costs and go green. Whether you’re a self-employed plumber, a family-run catering firm or running a local delivery service, your van is the lifeblood of your operation. That’s why more small businesses across the UK are switching to electric vans – not just for the planet, but, believe it or not, for their bottom line too.
As the Electric Van Man, I’ve driven, tested and talked about more electric vans than I can count. And I can tell you – it’s not just the big fleets that are going electric any more. The game, it is a-changing.
Let’s get into why switching to an electric van is one of the smartest moves a small business like yours can make.
Breakdown:
1. CASH! Cost savings that add up
3. How does the government help?
5. What About range and charging?
What does it all really mean for you?
1. CASH! Cost savings that add up
You often hear that electric vehicles are more expensive than their diesel counterparts, but this is changing fast too.
When you consider the cost of fuel, electricity is consistently cheaper than diesel or petrol. Charging overnight on off-peak rates can slash your fuel costs by up to 70% with costs as little as 6.7 pence per kWh.* This means you can get over 200 miles for just £5.56! That’s money straight back into your business.
Lower maintenance
Ultimately, your vans earn you revenue. My personal research suggests that a van has an average daily revenue value of over £700 per day!** EVs have far fewer moving parts. No oil changes. No clutches. No exhaust systems. All this means less time off the road and fewer trips to the garage. That means lower maintenance bills and less disruption to your schedule – oh, and probably happier customers too!
Other savings
Other savings can be derived, as electric vans are currently exempt from congestion charges and ULEZ fees. If you’re operating in or near London, that’s a potential saving of £15 per day, or more if you are currently running an older van. Put simply: with an electric van, you’re not just saving the planet – you’re saving a packet.
2. Your green credentials
EVs produce no exhaust emissions, helping to clean up the air in our towns and cities. It’s a real win for communities – especially people impacted by pollution with conditions such as asthma. EVs can make a material difference both to the individuals and to the NHS budgets spent looking after people with related health issues.
You will also be seeing corporate social responsibility (CSR) features more and more if you bid for business in tenders for larger companies or local authorities. Your customers want to work with ethical, green businesses. Switching to an EV shows you’re part of the solution, not the problem. It boosts your reputation and strengthens trust with clients who care about sustainability.
3. How does the government help?
Through the plug-in van grant (PIVG), the government offers up to £5,000 off the cost of a large electric van (GVW 2500+) or £2,500 for smaller models. The discount is applied at the point of purchase, so you don’t need to claim it later.
When it comes to tax breaks, businesses can benefit from 100% first-year capital allowances on EVs. That means you can deduct the full cost of an electric van from your profits before tax – great news when balancing your books.
Finally, we have to get the charging infrastructure sorted. Good news! There are also grants available for this – currently £350 per socket that you deploy – to help with installing charging points at your business premises, or even to allow your drivers to charge their work vehicle at home. This is another way to futureproof your setup. Investing in this area quickly pays back when compared to public charging, especially when you access favourable tariffs.
4. Operational benefits
Electric vans are so quiet, and offer a lovely smooth drive. That’s not just a comfort boost – it’s a professional edge. Less noise means early-morning deliveries or late-night jobs won’t disturb neighbours or clients. Also, a less-stressed driver is happier and therefore more productive – I have met very few drivers that do not love the driving experience of an electric van.
EVs deliver power instantly. That makes them ideal for stop-start urban driving and quick acceleration when needed – especially handy for getting out into those traffic gaps and onto busy roundabouts!
On top of it all, today’s electric vans are built to last. There’s growing evidence that EVs are more reliable over time than diesel models – with fewer mechanical failures and less downtime, so they are on the road longer helping you drive revenue. This is already being experienced by larger fleets that have made the leap.
5. What About range and charging?
This is the big question I get from nearly everyone: ‘Will it go far enough?’ The answer? Almost always – yes!
Most electric vans now offer 175-250 miles on a single charge. If your daily mileage is under 100 miles (as it is for many local trades and delivery companies), you’re absolutely covered. Also, when you include top-up charging as you go, you can seriously increase the possibilities.
Charge overnight at home or at your depot – just like your phone. Public charging is growing rapidly, and many hubs offer rapid charging (80% in 30-45 minutes) for quick top-ups – although these are always best avoided for practical and monetary reasons. But more on that another time! Also, as I said earlier, there is help from the government for business charging, making it as easy as possible to charge your van where it resides.
What does it all really mean for you?
Let’s say you run a plumbing business. You’re doing 60 miles a day, mostly city-based jobs. Right now, you’re spending £100+ a week on diesel, plus maintenance and maybe even ULEZ charges.
By switching to an electric van:
- Fuel drops to around £25-£30 a week (less if charged off-peak)
- No ULEZ
- Minimal servicing/brake pads etc. and associated downtime
And if you’re bidding for contracts with sustainability criteria (which are increasingly common), you’re ticking a big box just by showing up in an EV and are much more likely to be successful.
The bottom line
For small business owners and sole traders, switching to an electric van isn’t just a green decision – it’s a smart one.
With lower running costs, government support, smoother operation, and real-world practicality, EVs are not the millstone so often touted, they’re a competitive advantage. Whether you’re driven by savings, sustainability, or future-proofing your fleet, there’s never been a better time to make the move.
As I always say: test drive one, get your bum on a seat. Ask questions. Think long-term. And if you're not sure where to start, drop by EV Essentials EV Essentials or hit me up on YouTube @electricvanman. This is what I do – helping businesses like yours make the switch with confidence.
The electric revolution isn’t coming. It’s here. And it’s ready for your business.
*E.on ‘Next drive tariff’ at 22-04-25.
**Research done during my time at LeasePlan.
