VAN drivers believe that electric vehicles are now more cost effective to run than a petrol or diesel alternative, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK.

At a time of constant pressure on businesses, 52 per cent of commercial drivers now believe that operating an electric van would be more cost effective compared to petrol or diesel equivalents.

More than two-thirds of the UK's van drivers also say that EVs would suit their business needs and day-to-day work.

Almost one-third of respondents to the study cited the ULEZ expansion in London as the reason they intend to switch.

The survey further demonstrated that there is growing acknowledgement of the benefits of making the switch to electric, while some barriers to adoption persist.

Almost three quarters of van drivers said that reliability was no longer a reason not to buy an electric vehicle.

Charging time remains the number one concern around purchasing an electric van, said 57 per cent of those who responded,

These numbers underscore the growing awareness and commitment among van drivers to embrace sustainable mobility solutions.

A ULEZ scrappage schemeprovides financial assistance of up to £9,500 to eligible enterprises that have vehicles registered in London, to replace their internal combustion engine van with a fully-electric model.

Craig Cavanagh, national fleet manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: "There's no doubt that UK businesses are seriously considering when and how to make the switch to EVs.

"Van drivers are recognising the benefits, not only from a sustainability point of view, but also from the perspective of being more cost effective than petrol and diesel models. This is particularly true for those located in or around London, following the growth of the ULEZ zone and the Mayor of London's scrappage scheme fund.

"Our first factory-built, all-electric van - the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo - provides a modern mobility solution for this precise purpose, and we're encouraged to see van drivers embracing more sustainable solutions."

The ID. Buzz Cargo has a power output of 204ps and an all-electric range of up to 254 miles.