The switch to electric vans could be spearheaded by UK tradespeople, a new study reveals.

Seven in 10 (71%) trade van drivers would consider an eLCV as their next work vehicle, the study by Farizon indicates. Among the general public responding to the same question in the same survey, 55% said they were considering switching to electric.

The figures highlight a significant gap between driver intent and current market realities. According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), registrations of fully electric LCVs held a market share of 14.7% in July 2026.

Farizon’s research identified a clear generational difference in attitudes towards electric vans. Among tradespeople aged 18-24, 85% said they would consider switching to an electric van, compared with only 33% of those aged 65 and over.

Calum James, country general manager at Farizon Auto UK, said the findings were really encouraging.

“Interest in electric vans among tradespeople is strong, even more so than among the wider public. With electric van sales across the industry not matching the levels of interest, it suggests a huge, untapped opportunity is there for the taking.”

He added: “Older generations of tradies have spent their working lives trusting in diesel-powered vans, and maybe younger drivers are keener to embrace a new technology. It’s imperative that we make a clear case to all tradespeople about the real-world benefits of our latest generation electric vans.”

The data also shows that tradespeople in Wales recorded the highest levels of interest in electric vans (67%), followed by those in London (52%). By contrast, no respondents in Northern Ireland said they’d consider making the switch.

The findings bear some correlation to the regional accessibility of public charging infrastructure. According to data from Zapmap, Northern Ireland has the lowest number of public EV chargers per head, with 39 devices per 100,000 residents. By comparison, Wales has 122 devices per 100,000 residents. London has the highest concentration of EV chargers per head, with 301 devices per 100,000 residents.

James said the survey highlights the importance of confidence in the ecosystem around EVs.

“Many tradespeople will find that they can save even more on running costs if they can charge overnight at home, and the vast majority will rarely need a public charger because the range of modern electric vans is more than enough for a day or two on the job. Installing a home charger is usually very straightforward these days.”

Farizon’s survey also found that the confidence in eLCVs varies between professions. Exactly half (50%) of electricians, builders and gardeners surveyed said they would ‘definitely consider’ switching to an electric van, whereas only 18% of carpenters and 20% of plumbers were as keen.

James commented: “There are several possible explanations to the variations between different trades in their inclination to go electric. Do some tend to travel further and have concerns about range? Do some that regularly transport heavier and larger loads think electric vans won’t carry as much as their diesels? These doubts are almost all based on outdated perceptions.”

He finished: “Ultimately, this research shows that there’s an encouraging level of interest among tradespeople in going electric.”