UK Electric Van Interest Jumps 75% in September, Diesel Van Views Fall

Autotrader reports nearly 90,000 advert views for electric vans as trades begin shifting amid subsidy support

In September 2025, interest in electric vans on the UK’s largest commercial-vehicle marketplace surged to 89,414 advert views, up 75 per cent from the same month last year, according to data published by Autotrader.

Diesel-van advert views, by contrast, declined by 16 per cent over the same period.

Though diesel remains dominant, with 586,178 views (about 72 per cent of total van ads) versus 441,000 for electric vans (11 per cent share), the electric-van segment is gaining traction.

The increase is underpinned by an expanded model range—including the Ford E-Transit Custom (£32,324), Kia PV5 (£24,927), MAXUS eTERRON 9 (£50,084), Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo (£33,845) and Mercedes-Benz eVito (£47,063)—and the UK government’s Plug-in Van and Truck Grant, which offers discounts of up to £5,000 on eligible retail models.

In the used-van market, electric-van advert views rose 44 per cent year-on-year, though they remain a small fraction overall compared with diesel.

Autotrader commercial director Ian Plummer described the shift as tangible: “Diesel has dominated for a long time but there is undoubtedly change in the air as a bigger choice of models and government grants turn tradespeople towards electric van options.” He cautioned, however, that further progress depends on more inclusive subsidies, improved charging infrastructure for larger vans and removal of the VAT surcharge on public charging.

Industry context remains mixed: while van-sales volumes fell during the first half of 2025, with a 12.1 per cent drop overall and electric vans reaching only 8.6 per cent of the new-van market, the uptick in interest signals a shift in mindset among business buyers.

Analysts say the response to model availability, lower running costs and regulatory support will be key if the UK is to meet decarbonisation targets for light commercial vehicles.