New research has revealed the most common reasons for commercial van drivers to go electric, with the environment coming out top.

Environmental credentials were the most commonly cited reason for drivers buying an electrified vehicle

The study by Peugeot found the environmental credentials (76%) of electric vans were the most commonly cited reason for drivers buying an electrified vehicle. This was followed by ease of driving (63%), price of energy (60%) and customer offers (43%).

Peugeot, which recently opened orders for its revamped range of all-electric commercial vehicles, carried out the research to better understand the habits of van drivers in the UK.

Interestingly, the research revealed car drivers going electric were considerably less influenced by environmental impact, with 55% choosing it as a key factor.

Van drivers are also doing more to reduce their carbon footprint when it comes to travelling in their free time with over a third (36%) cycling often, versus a mere 12% of car drivers.

Meanwhile, over three-quarters (76%) of van drivers choose to walk, exceeding 64% of car drivers. When asked why they use alternative or carbon-free modes of transport, 47% of those who drive a van for work claimed that it was to reduce their carbon footprint, a significantly higher proportion than the 27% of car drivers who ticked this box.

The Peugeot research also revealed that commercial vehicle drivers are carrying out environmentally friendly practices in their everyday lives, with over three-quarters (78%) of those polled admitting that their lifestyle choices are impacted by the desire to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The data from Peugeot UK shows that 30% are growing their own fruit or vegetables, 19% are ridesharing and 15% use solar panels or other renewable energy generation sources.

Van drivers are also significantly more likely to use reusable coffee cups (57%) than car drivers (37%), as well as other reusable items such as metal straws (37% versus 20%) and reusable alternatives to aluminium foil and cling film (27% versus 16%).

Van drivers also came out on top for eco practices behind the wheel.

Notably, 64% of all van drivers open a window instead of using air-con, while 59% maintain their vehicle to ensure fuel efficiency, and just under half (49%) of all commercial van drivers polled said they turn their engine off when stuck in traffic or parked. Other green habits demonstrated by van drivers included lowering their speed to save fuel (48%), reducing extra weight (such as roof boxes or unnecessary items in the loadspace) whenever possible (37%), and switching to eco mode while driving (36%).

When asked for the reasons behind their mindful driving habits, cost saving was the main factor for both van (75%) and car (74%) drivers, yet 69% of van drivers also gave the environment as a reason for driving more consciously, once again outshining the 50% of car drivers who cited the environment as a reason for their sustainable driving.

Peugeot said the findings should lay outdated notions of irresponsible and thoughtless white van drivers to rest.

Eurig Druce, managing director at the automaker, commented: “Contrary to what many may believe, our research shows van drivers are among the most eco-conscious members of society. Whether it’s adopting eco-friendly driving habits, ditching single-use plastics or choosing an all-electric van, it’s clear that sustainability is at the forefront of van drivers’ choices.”