More than seven in ten UK tradespeople would consider choosing an electric van as their next work vehicle, according to new research commissioned by Farizon, suggesting demand could be significantly stronger than current registration figures indicate.
The study found that 71% of tradespeople would consider switching to an electric van, despite battery-electric models accounting for just 13.9% of new light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes registered in July 2026, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures.
Interest among tradespeople was also notably higher than among the wider public. When asked the same question, 55% of general respondents said they would consider switching to electric, while battery-electric cars represented 27.5% of passenger car registrations during July.
Calum James, Country General Manager at Farizon Auto UK, said the gap between interest and actual electric van sales pointed towards considerable potential for the sector.
“This survey is really encouraging. Interest in electric vans among tradespeople is strong, even more so than among the wider public,” he said.
“With electric van sales across the industry not matching the levels of interest, it suggests a huge, untapped opportunity is there for the taking.”
Younger tradespeople lead the electric charge
Farizon’s research revealed a particularly strong generational divide.
Among tradespeople aged 18 to 24, 85% said they would consider switching to an electric van. At the opposite end of the age range, the figure dropped to just 33% among those aged 65 and over.
Farizon believes familiarity with diesel vans may partly explain the difference, with younger drivers potentially more willing to embrace new technology.
James said manufacturers need to demonstrate the practical benefits of the latest generation of electric commercial vehicles, rather than focusing solely on their powertrains.
Farizon’s vans, for example, include technology such as payload monitoring and domestic three-pin power outlets, allowing tradespeople to run equipment or recharge tool batteries directly from the vehicle.
Wales shows strongest appetite for electric vans
There were also significant regional differences in attitudes towards electrification.
According to the research, 67% of tradespeople surveyed in Wales expressed an interest in electric vans, followed by 52% in London. In Northern Ireland, however, none of those surveyed said they would consider making the switch.
Farizon suggests the findings may have some relationship with the availability of public charging infrastructure.
Department for Transport figures based on Zapmap data show Northern Ireland has 39 public charging devices per 100,000 residents, compared with 122 in Wales and 301 in London.
James said the figures highlighted the importance of confidence in the wider EV charging network, although he argued many van operators could complete most of their charging at home.
For tradespeople able to charge overnight, electric vans can potentially begin each working day with a full battery while reducing dependence on more expensive public charging.
Electricians, builders and gardeners most interested
Attitudes also differed according to profession.
Half of the electricians, builders and gardeners questioned said they would “definitely consider” switching to an electric van.
That compares with just 18% of carpenters and 20% of plumbers.
Farizon believes concerns surrounding range, payload and load capacity may still be influencing purchasing decisions in some trades.
James argued that many of these concerns are based on perceptions of earlier electric commercial vehicles rather than the capabilities of the latest models.
“With payloads of up to 1.3 tonnes, capacities up to 13 m³, and electric range of up to 247 miles (WLTP combined), Farizon’s modern electric vans outperform diesels in almost every regard,” he said.
“Ultimately, this research shows that there’s an encouraging level of interest among tradespeople in going electric.”
Farizon expands its UK electric van range
Farizon currently offers two electric commercial vehicles in the UK: the SV large van and the recently introduced V7E medium van.
Both have been developed as dedicated electric commercial vehicles rather than conversions of existing combustion-engined vans, with Farizon highlighting their payload capability, cargo capacity, rapid charging and drive-by-wire technology.
The Farizon V7E starts from £28,000, while the larger Farizon SV is priced from £39,000, with both figures excluding VAT, delivery, ZEVG, first registration fee and VED.
The SV was a finalist for the 2026 International Van of the Year award and has also collected Trade Van Driver Awards for Best Technical Innovation and Best Large Zero Emission Van.
Farizon says sales are already accelerating as more businesses examine the potential operating-cost advantages of electric vans.
The latest research suggests there may be a sizeable audience ready to make that transition. The challenge for electric van manufacturers will be turning that willingness into actual orders by convincing tradespeople that today’s electric commercial vehicles can deliver the range, payload and day-to-day practicality their businesses demand.
