UK van drivers have gaps in their knowledge about electric vehicles, according to new research by Ford.
A survey of 500 van drivers found that, despite a widespread desire to go electric, many see charging time and costs as considerable barriers to switching.
Some 42 percent of those questioned said they didn't know how to charge an electric van, while 44 percent didn't think they would have time.
Nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of van drivers fear they will have to pay for charging their employer's electric vans at home.
More than half (52 percent) of those questioned said they would not have charging access at home, with only 20 percent having charging devices available at work.
Adding to these concerns is a lack of understanding about the real-world range of electric vans. The average range of an electric van was estimated to be just 67.5 miles when fully charged. As Ford notes, the new E-Transit is capable of covering up to 196 miles.
For businesses themselves, close to a third (29 percent) said the initial cost of electric vans and charging infrastructure would be a barrier to switching. However, 25 percent did note that going electric would bring savings on fuel costs.
Despite these concerns, almost half (49 percent) of those asked believed EVs will be the most common type of van on UK roads in the next decade.
Over a third (36 percent) noted their employer was thinking of moving to an electric van fleet in the next four to six months. A quarter of respondents (26 percent) thought this would be a good idea, as it would improve the green image of their company.
Mandy Dean, commercial vehicle director at Ford of Britain, said: "With the Ford Transit being the best-selling vehicle in the UK, tackling the concerns of Britain's workforce is an important task in helping the nation go green and make the switch to electric.
"Understanding people's perceptions of electric vehicles is vital to making sure we're all on board, including within the vital commercial vehicle segment which is so important for keeping the UK's economy growing. Our research report shows while there are concerns about the switch, van drivers seem willing to embark on the journey to go green".
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