The majority of van drivers are enthusiastic about the switch to electric vehicles and feel positive about the business and productivity benefits.

Electric Avenue traders are making the switch to electric commercial vehicles to prepare for the 2030 ICE phase-out

That’s according to new research published by Ford as it works to help traders on Brixton’s famous Electric Avenue migrate over to EVs.

A survey carried out for the automaker by OnePoll found 56% of van drivers believe their business productivity could be improved by an electric van, thanks to lower running costs along with features such as the ability to keep an eye on any required maintenance on vehicles (18%) and charge during downtime at home (12%).

Moreover, 88% of current ICE van drivers believe their employer would reimburse them for electricity, adding to the appeal of running an electric van.

But there are some barriers to adoption. Around half (51%) of the 600 van drivers quizzed think the current charging infrastructure is not ready to support electric commercial vehicles ​– one of the biggest drawbacks to EV adoption​. And 29% believe the lack of appropriate vehicle charging stations has a negative impact on business productivity and profitability.

Charging speed is also another barrier to entry, with 30% of van drivers believing there aren’t enough fast-charging options available.

More than three-quarters of van-driving business owners, traders, and employees also believe they would have difficulty finding a parking space, loading bay or a depot where they could charge.

Ford is calling on the Government and local councils to increase their spending on electric vehicle infrastructure, supporting businesses and consumers to make the switch ahead of the 2030 ICE phase-out.

It’s also playing its part – including a new initiative to help traders in Brixton make the switch in the countdown to the Government’s zero-emissions deadline.

The district’s Electric Avenue is famous for being the first market street in the UK to be lit with electric streetlights. And Ford is poetically paying homage to such history – and continuing its longstanding support for local businesses – by loaning the community of traders an E-Transit van. The trial vehicle can be reserved by any local businesses over the next year to help meet their commercial vehicle needs.

Local businesses that have already put it to the test include K & N Fresh Meat Ltd, who said: “We were so surprised at how easy it was to adapt to using an electric van for our logistics. As a purveyor of the best meats and groceries, the environment is so important to us, and knowing we’re taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint means we’re protecting the environment for years to come.”

Ford Pro has also partnered with Levi Roots – an Electric Avenue champion, Brixton local and Reggae Reggae sauce creator – on a year-long collaboration to decarbonise his business logistics.

Levi Roots said: “As my business continues to grow, I’m always looking for ways to streamline my logistics and keep my business sustainable. The Ford Transit van has been the backbone of market traders for decades, and now the E-Transit has allowed me to reduce my impact on the environment even more. The tools that Ford Pro can offer businesses like mine will really help us boom as consumers become more environmentally conscious.”

Speaking on the initiative, Ford’s commercial vehicle director Mandy Dean said: “Ford has been the UK’s market leader in the light commercial vehicle space for 56 years, supporting large businesses on a national scale as well as the small and medium-sized businesses making up the fabric of our society – including our nation’s beloved high street traders.

“Many of these local businesses have been serving customers for decades, spanning multiple generations, and probably with the support of a Transit in the background. It is vital that these businesses continue to thrive as we shift towards an all-electric future together – we’re ready to support them every step of the way and are calling on councils and governments to get behind the switch too.”