Leasing an Electric Van: What to Know Before You Switch

Electric vans have moved from a niche option to a genuinely practical choice for a lot of UK businesses, but the questions worth asking before you switch are different from a diesel van.

Range versus your actual routes

Manufacturer range figures are tested in ideal conditions. Cold weather, a full load, and motorway driving all reduce real-world range, sometimes by 20-30%. The useful exercise is mapping your typical daily routes against the van's realistic range rather than its headline figure - most local and regional delivery or trade routes sit comfortably within what current electric vans offer.

Charging is the real planning question

Home or depot charging overnight is the cheapest and most convenient option by far. If your business doesn't have off-street parking or a depot to install a charger at, relying on public charging changes the economics - it's slower and more expensive per mile than home charging, so it's worth factoring into your decision before committing.

Running costs are usually lower

• No fuel duty - charging costs a fraction of diesel per mile, especially charging overnight on a cheaper tariff
• Lower servicing costs - fewer moving parts, no oil changes, less brake wear thanks to regenerative braking
• Van benefit-in-kind tax is currently significantly lower than for diesel vans, worth checking with your accountant for your specific situation
• Exempt from ULEZ and most Clean Air Zone charges, which matters if you regularly work in city centres

What to check before you lease

• Real payload capacity - batteries add weight, which can reduce how much an electric van can carry versus its diesel equivalent
• Charging time for your use pattern - rapid charging to 80% versus a full overnight charge
• Whether your business qualifies for any current EV charge point or purchase grants

If you're still deciding, our stock includes both electric and diesel vans across most manufacturers - it's often easiest to compare the real monthly numbers side by side rather than in the abstract.