VAN drivers are facing a triple threat of longer working hours, greater distances between jobs, and higher fuel bills.

This has led to 45 per cent having to turn down jobs each month as they become financially unviable.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' latest study of 1,000 UK van drivers found that 61 per cent of respondents experienced an increase in weekly working hours, averaging 9.25 hours per day in 2024, up from 9.18 hours in 2023and 8.59 hours in 2022.

With a third driving over 100 miles every day for jobs - a sharp increase from the 23 per cent covering these distances in 2023and 20 per cent in 2022- the average weekly fuel bill for van drivers has risen by 15 per cent to £127.13, up from £110.32 the previous year.

As many as 62 per cent of respondents therefore believe that an electric van would be more cost-effective to operate, and with a range of hybrid and all-electric vehicles available - including the award-winning ID. Buzz Cargo, and newly launched electric Transporter models - Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' line-up of electric vans is designed to cater to every customer.

For businesses feeling the pinch, efficient diesel and petrol models - such as the Caddy Cargo - also offer competitive fuel consumption, available with a 2.0-litre Euro 6D compliant turbocharged diesel engine which returns 52.3mpg.

Craig Cavanagh,national fleet manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said:"We recognise the considerable challenges facing the UK's tradespeople, with more demanding hours and rising fuel costs, among other factors.At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, we're committed to keeping our customers on the road with Volkswagen Connected Services - offering roadside assistance, service scheduling, and more to support van drivers. Our fixed-cost servicing plans also provide peace of mind for both individual drivers and fleet managers, helping with scheduling and reducing unexpected expenses."