Charging infrastructure remains one of the main barriers to electric van adoption across the UK’s light commercial vehicle sector, according to a new whitepaper from Dawsongroup vans.
The report, titled Charging Ahead, draws on data from the company’s EV Readiness Survey of fleet operators and highlights a gap between perceived readiness and actual implementation.
While 53% of respondents believe their premises are suitable for EV charging infrastructure, only 27% have installed chargers on site. A further 47% said they were either unsure about suitability or believed their premises were not suitable.
Driving range was identified as the most important factor when selecting electric vans, cited by 42% of fleet managers.
The report notes that for micro fleets operating between one and ten vehicles, a single van falling short on range can disrupt an entire day’s operations.
Sarah Gray (pictured), head of ZEV strategy and development at Dawsongroup vans, said: “For smaller fleets, every vehicle is a workhorse. If one can’t deliver the expected range, it disrupts the entire operation.”
Charging speed was also highlighted as a significant operational challenge. Commercial vans typically operate on tight schedules, meaning slow charging can translate directly into lost productivity.
The report suggests faster charging infrastructure is essential so drivers can top up vehicles during breaks rather than waiting for full charges.
The findings also show that 59% of drivers take their vehicles home overnight, which can create issues around charging consistency and cost management.
Gray said: “When vehicles are dispersed overnight, businesses lose control over charging consistency and cost management. It becomes harder to monitor energy usage and ensure vehicles are ready for the next day.”
Despite 41% of fleets parking vehicles at business premises overnight, adoption of on-site charging infrastructure remains relatively low.
Simon Ridley, managing director at Dawsongroup vans, said: “Many businesses underestimate the complexity of installation. From assessing electrical capacity to managing costs and planning for future scalability. It’s not just about buying chargers; it’s about integrating them into the business model.”
The whitepaper recommends a phased approach to EV charging infrastructure, starting with temporary or mobile charging solutions, carrying out site assessments to understand power availability and gradually building infrastructure as fleets expand.
It also encourages businesses to combine real-world vehicle trials with telematics data to assess EV performance against actual route demands.
The ‘Charging Ahead’ whitepaper is available to download now: HERE
