Drivers of electric vans are able to charge their vehicles with enough power to last the week through the use of rapid chargers in place across the UK.
New research has revealed that tradespeople who primarily use vans can now charge their vehicles with enough battery in less than an hour.
The use of ultra-fast chargers has also helped the UK meet its Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires all new car sales to be electric by 2035.
The findings follow the Government announcing significant support measures for electric vehicle adoption, with the hope that faster chargers alongside new grants will encourage greater uptake in EVs.
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VAUXHALL
|The use of more ultra-rapid chargers has helped increase uptake in electric vehicles
A recent survey found that tradespeople typically stop twice per week for morning breaks or breakfast before starting their day's work, with 60 per cent stopping between 15 to 45 minutes, making an ideal time to charge.
This timeframe can prove significant for electric vehicle charging, with data showing how a Vauxhall Vivaro Electric can be charged from five per cent to 80 per cent in just 45 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger.
A survey by the UK carmaker found that nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of electric van drivers already stop at least twice weekly to use public rapid chargers.
With the UK's network of 16,259 rapid and ultra-rapid charging points, these routine breakfast stops could help encourage more drivers to buy an electric vehicle.
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VAUXHALL
|Ultra-rapid chargers can power a vehicle for a week in less than one hour
The increased use of ultra-rapid chargers has also helped address the main concerns cited by 31 per cent of petrol and diesel van drivers about switching to electric vehicles.
Survey participants reported that their vehicles remain stationary for up to four hours daily while working at customer locations, providing additional charging opportunities through on-street chargers.
The research identified how tradespeople receive an average of nine callouts a week, with 70 per cent of electric van drivers believing customers would likely permit charging at their addresses during work.
Meanwhile, three-quarters of van drivers indicated they would offer an average discount of £24 in exchange for permission to charge at customer properties, while 78 per cent have already charged at customer addresses at least once, with 15 per cent doing so regularly.
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The survey also asked tradespeople what their favourite charging solution would be, with 61 per cent stating that they would prefer to charge their van overnight using a home wallbox.
Steve Catlin, managing director of Vauxhall, explained that owning an electric van can easily fit into tradespeople's lifestyles.
He said that whether it's charging from home overnight, topping up from a rapid charger during a morning breakfast break, or charging while on the job, there can be more options to help support the use of EVs.
Catlin shared: "Vauxhall is helping to electrify British businesses, supporting van drivers with a fully electric version of our entire van range, our free home wallbox offer for small businesses and sole traders, and our Electric Streets campaign."
VAUXHALL
|Vauxhall research showed growing support for charging electric vans at clients' houses for a discounted price
Vauxhall currently offers small and medium-sized business customers and sole traders a complimentary home charger and standard residential installation worth up to £1,050 through Free2move Charge, with 61 per cent of van drivers preferring overnight home charging.
The UK remains Europe's largest EV market, with over 382,000 zero emission vehicles sold last year, up a fifth on the previous year.
As of 2021, Vauxhall sold over 17,000 electric vehicles with its current line-up including the Combo Electric, manufactured in the UK at Ellesmere Port.
The brand also offers the Vivaro Electric and the Movano Electric, both of which are produced in the UK.