In a nationwide survey of 1,000 van drivers working in trades and home maintenance, Vauxhall discovered that most stop for breakfast twice a week before heading to customer appointments. Of those, 60% typically take a break lasting between 15 and 45 minutes—more than enough time to top up an electric van using the UK’s growing network of rapid chargers.
A Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, for example, can be charged from 5% to 80% in just 45 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger. With a WLTP range of 219 miles, and the average tradesperson driving only 191 miles per week, a single breakfast break charge could easily cover several days of work.
Steve Catlin, Managing Director, Vauxhall, commented:
“Our research demonstrates how electric vans can easily fit into tradespeople’s lifestyle, whether charging from home overnight, topping up from a rapid charger during a morning breakfast break, or charging while on the job. With most tradespeople covering less weekly mileage than the range of a Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, they can comfortably meet their charging needs—all without losing valuable working hours."
Time is a key concern for many petrol and diesel van drivers, with 31% saying they avoid electric vans because they believe charging would eat into their schedule. But the study reveals otherwise. With the average van stationary for four hours per day while tradespeople are working at customer sites, there’s ample opportunity to charge—either via public rapid chargers or through residential sockets.
Vauxhall’s Electric Streets campaign, in partnership with leading charge point operators, aims to make on-street charging more accessible. The goal is to support mobile professionals by ensuring convenient charge options at or near customers’ homes, especially where off-street parking isn’t available.
There’s also a financial incentive to charging while on the job. Of the tradespeople surveyed, 70% said they believed customers would likely allow them to plug in at their property. A further 78% confirmed they’ve done so at least once, with 15% doing it regularly. Encouragingly, three-quarters of those drivers said they’d offer an average discount of £24 in return for charging access—an arrangement that benefits both parties.
Callouts remain frequent too, with survey participants reporting an average of nine weekly customer visits. Having reliable range and flexible charging options is essential. Vauxhall’s current electric van line-up includes the Combo Electric (the UK’s best-selling compact electric van), the Vivaro Electric, and the Movano Electric, which offers a WLTP range of up to 263 miles.
Overnight charging remains the top preference, with 61% of respondents favouring a home wallbox. Vauxhall supports this need through its complimentary home charger and installation offer, available to SME customers and sole traders. Provided via Free2move Charge and Octopus Energy, this perk—worth up to £1,050 (inc. VAT)—makes it easier for business owners to transition to electric without worrying about infrastructure costs.
As of 2025, Vauxhall remains the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer, with over 17,000 electric vans on the road. It was also one of the first to offer a fully electric version of every van model in its range. The Combo Electric is built at Ellesmere Port, the UK’s first EV-only manufacturing facility, with Vivaro Electric production set to follow.
Steve Catlin adds:
“As the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer, 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.”
With smart charging strategies, strong range, and a commitment to supporting tradespeople both at home and on the road, Vauxhall’s research makes a strong case: the electric van is no longer a compromise—it’s a practical, cost-effective upgrade for Britain’s trades.
