A new data tool that will track the UK’s transition of vans from diesel to electric has launched from independent transport research organisation New AutoMotive.

The Electric Van Count is available to access online and analyses progress in meeting the Government’s ambition to phase out sales of diesel and petrol vans from 2030 and hybrids from 2035

Dubbed the Electric Van Count (EVC) and available to access online, it will analyse progress in meeting the Government’s ambition to phase out sales of diesel and petrol vans from 2030 and hybrids from 2035.

It follows in the footsteps of New AutoMotive’s Electric Car Count and, as with the car data, will be published monthly and be freely available to view or download.

While typically more than 90% of new vans are diesel, electric van sales have started to grow – the first Electric Van Count shows nearly one in 10 (8%) of all new vans registered in June were fully electric, having doubled from the number registered in June 2021.

Ciara Cook, policy officer at New AutoMotive, said: “The opportunity is now for this market to capitalise on the electric car momentum and, based on our data, the same trajectory is possible with electric vans.

“The upcoming ZEV Mandate is an opportunity for the Government to drive the electric van market forward. The policy itself needs to be ambitious and incentivise manufacturers to exceed industry targets – it’s a critical time and we can’t be complacent.”

The Electric Van Count has already received support from key industry players such as Arrival and the EV100 global initiative run by the Climate Group.

Dominic Finn, senior policy manager at EV100, commented: “Through EV100, the UK’s largest fleets have committed to purchase only EVs by 2030. The demand for EVs has never been stronger, but more must be manufactured to meet demand and maintain this momentum. New AutoMotive’s Electric Van Count will play an important role in helping understand the take up of subsegments and brands within the electric van market by providing crucial reliable, accessible data.”

Avinash Rugoobur, president at Arrival, added: “Transport is the fastest growing source of CO2 emissions in the UK and yet plug-in electric vehicles only make up 0.6% of vans. New AutoMotive’s Electric Van Count tool will provide key insight into the uptake of electric van sales in the UK and how crucial they are to powering the green transition.”

To access the New AutoMotive’s Electric Van Count tool, click here.