Switch up and save: Van drivers turn to EVs amidst rising fuel prices

• Van drivers could cut fuel bills by up to 87% if they switch to electric, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles¹
• As diesel prices hit £2 per litre, van drivers are starting to look more closely at the cost of running their vehicles
• 58% cite the cost of fuel compared with more cost-effective charging as a primary reason for considering an electric van¹
• The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo with the standard 79 kWh net battery delivers 286 PS (210 kW) of power and a WLTP electric range of up to 277 miles; priced from £26,265 (excl. VAT)⁵

Milton Keynes, 28 September, 2026 – Van drivers could cut fuel bills by up to 87% if they made the switch to an electric van, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.¹ 

As the price of diesel at the pumps hits £2 a litre in parts of the UK, van drivers are looking more closely at the cost of running their vehicles.

In a survey of over 1,000 UK van drivers, over half (58%) cite the difference between the fuel prices and the cost of charging an electric van, as a primary reason for making the switch.¹

The average UK diesel price has risen from around 142p-145p per litre in late 2025 to approximately 183.49p per litre by September 2026.² 

According to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ research, the average van driver travels 13,190¹ miles each year, and in a diesel van this would cost them around £2,770³ per year in fuel. If that same driver switched to an electric van, charged at home or overnight in a depot, this would fall by 87% to £369.24⁴ per year - a saving of £2,400.70 annually.

And, drivers are more receptive to electric vehicles than ever before: 66% of van drivers surveyed think EVs are suitable for their business and 61% plan to purchase an electric van in the next 12 months.¹

John Ricardo-Neto, Head of Product Planning at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “We know drivers are really feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise, and this is all too apparent when van drivers fill up at the pumps. Fuel costs have gone up by 30% over the last year and this is making electric vans an even more attractive choice. 

“This research highlights that the savings that could be made on fuel are significant, impacting businesses’ bottom line; and this alongside lower servicing costs, a near silent powertrain and smoother driving experience.” 

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo with a standard 79 kWh net battery delivers 286 PS (210 kW) of power and a WLTP electric range of up to 277 miles, equivalent to one charge per week.¹ With prices starting from £26,265 (excluding VAT)⁵ with the Plug-in Van Grant deducted⁶, the ID. Buzz Cargo is available with two trim levels: Commerce and Commerce Plus, both offer a range of business-ready practicality, advanced connectivity, and driver assistance systems.

With a growing range of products and services designed to support businesses making the switch to electric, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ all-electric line-up also includes the new e-Transporter – a heavy-duty commercial vehicle ready for long workdays, with up to 6.8m³ of load volume and 1.0 tonne of payload capacity (depending on trim). It can travel up to 225 miles on a single charge.

For more information, visit https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.

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¹Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK van drivers, conducted in December 2025, covering the 2025 calendar year, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
²Fuel price analysis from petrolpal.co.uk.
³39.2 mpg @ £1.83/L: 21.2p per mile (based on Volkswagen Transporter T32 Commerce Pro SWB 2.0 TDI 150 8sp automatic).
⁴Based on charging an EV at Home/Depot using an off-peak energy tariff (7p/kWh): 2.8p per mile.
⁵Prices are Basic RRP excluding VAT– correct at time of publication.
⁶UK government zero emission grant scheme; further information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/zero-emission-vehicle-grants

Press contact
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Press Team
Laura Bignall 07557 758617
Jenna Keating 07435 636768
Jess Bowden-Eyre 07788 155398

Press and Public Relations
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Yeomans Drive
Blakelands
Milton Keynes
MK14 5AN

Telephone 01908 601478
www.vwpress.co.uk

About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles:
More than 75 years since the first Transporter arrived in the UK, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has become synonymous with providing reliable and versatile vehicles for individuals and businesses across the country.

Working with our commercial customers, our diverse range of vans and comprehensive aftersales support helps keep businesses moving. Today, our line-up includes the compact Caddy and all-electric ID. Buzz Cargo, the evergreen Transporter, now in its seventh generation, the Amarok pick-up, and sturdy Crafter panel vans, as well as dropsides and tippers. 

Together with our customers, our range of lifestyle vehicles provides the freedom to do more with every journey – whether it's transporting friends and family in the Caravelle or all-electric ID. Buzz – available in 5-, 6- or 7-seat configurations – or exploring further in the new California and Grand California campervans.

For more information on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ products and aftersales support, visit: www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

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