British tradesmen and small business owners are taking to the internet in record numbers to explore switching to diesel. New figures show that Google searches for “electric vans” increased by 143% in March.
The analysis, carried out by online comparison site The Van Insurer, part of the Howden Group, found that inquiries peaked in the days immediately before the Easter weekend, a period when sole traders, couriers and last-mile delivery drivers traditionally check the running costs of their fleets ahead of the busier trading months in the spring and summer.
With diesel still powering the overwhelming majority of the 4.6 million vans on Britain’s roads, the scale of the increase suggests a significant change in sentiment among operators, who have spent the last two years absorbing successive increases at forecourts. Industry observers say the combination of stubbornly high pump prices, tighter restrictions on clean air zones in London, Birmingham, Bristol and beyond and the falling premium for new battery-electric models is prompting even the most hesitant motorists to crunch the numbers for an electric car switch.
Ed Bevis, commercial director at The Van Insurer, said diesel operators were bearing the brunt of the current pressure. “Diesel van drivers have been hit hardest by the current fuel crisis, so it is hardly surprising that interest in electric vans is surging,” he said.
“Many owners are beginning to look to a future that is less dependent on fossil fuels and less exposed to volatile fuel prices and operating cost uncertainties. As a result, we expect demand for battery and hybrid electric van insurance to pick up in the coming months.”
For Britain’s army of self-employed traders, plumbers, savings banks, florists, parcel drivers and mobile mechanics, for whom the van is not a vehicle but a livelihood, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the economics. Even minor fluctuations at the pump translate directly into lower margins on already-pressured orders, while residual values have fallen on newer-registration diesel models as buyers weigh the risk of further tightening regulations.
Mr Bevis acknowledged the financial strain on the sector and said the comparison site was trying to provide some relief on premiums. “At a time when many consumers and business owners are making every penny count, we believe it is important to offer meaningful support, particularly for those whose vans are vital to their livelihoods,” he said, pointing out that £500 free excess protection is now being offered on qualifying policies.
Whether March’s rise marks the start of a decisive shift away from diesel or simply another bout of curiosity from hard-pressed operators will depend heavily on the development of wholesale fuel prices, the pace of the introduction of public charges and the Treasury’s next move on vehicle taxation. For now, however, the direction of search data is unmistakable and insurers, retailers and manufacturers will be watching the next numbers closely.
