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<\/p>\nOver half of van drivers (55%) reckon they will have switched their vehicle within the next 24 months \u2013 for an electric or plug-in hybrid, research has found.<\/p>\n
A survey of 500 motorists, who drive a van for work, found many are keen to go green \u2013 with seven in ten more likely to consider making the switch now than they were five years ago.<\/p>\n
Some of the top reasons for this include the cost savings involved, as the typical van driver estimates they could save over \u00a32,720 a year in fuel costs by ditching diesel or petrol vehicles.<\/p>\n
But three in five are also thinking about how an electric vehicle could benefit their business \u2013 viewing it as an opportunity to work with a more socially conscious clientele.<\/p>\n
And more than eight in ten (82%), of the van drivers polled, want to see more companies using environmentally friendly vans in their fleet, moving forward.<\/p>\n
The research was commissioned by GRIDSERVE, to highlight its Sun-to-Wheel EV charging solutions.<\/p>\n
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A spokesman said: \u201cIt\u2019s great to learn today\u2019s van drivers are also following the trend, and switching to electric.<\/p>\n
\u201cVans are vital to the everyday running of the UK, delivering parcels and getting tradespeople to their next job \u2013 so it is essential this group sees the benefit of going green, and is adopting the technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese drivers are a key part of the electric road revolution, and will make a huge impact as more and more switch to cleaner vehicles. Our calculations estimate that switching the UK\u2019s fleet of vans to electric could save 15 million tonnes of CO2 every year.\u201d<\/p>\n
The research also that it is not just companies which should be pursuing a progressive outlook \u2013 as 59% want to see the term \u201cwhite van man\u201d retired for something more inclusive.<\/p>\n
Over the last five years, many have noticed a shift in those who are behind the wheel of working vans \u2013 with 55% spotting an increase in drivers who are not male.<\/p>\n
As well as this, 42% have noted more younger drivers in vans than ever before, according to the survey, conducted via OnePoll.com.<\/p>\n
The GRIDSERVE spokesman added: \u201cFor years, the general public have held lots of unfounded opinions about those who drive vans.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut what this research shows is many are certainly bucking the stereotypes with their progressive views on inclusivity and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n