An electric van can work well for trade use, but the decision hinges on different numbers than a car does — payload first, then laden real-world range, then how (and where) you'll actually charge it.
Payload is the first thing to check
Battery weight eats into how much a van can actually carry compared with an equivalent diesel. Most general building, electrical, and plumbing work needs a realistic minimum of 1,000–1,200kg payload — trade work isn't consistent day to day, and an occasional heavy load (plasterboard, tiles, a full day's material delivery) needs to fit within what the van can legally and safely carry. Check the payload of the specific van as you'd actually spec it — with racking, ply-lining, and any extra kit already fitted — not just the base manufacturer figure.
Range: plan for laden, winter, and real-world
A useful worst-case rule of thumb is to expect roughly 0.65× the WLTP-rated range when the van is fully loaded, it's cold, and you're running power tools or charging equipment off the vehicle. If your typical working day covers 50–120 miles across multiple stops, look for a van whose WLTP figure comfortably clears your longest realistic day once you've derated it for load and winter — not a van that only just meets it on paper.
Charging economics: home or depot charging is what makes it work
The cost case for an electric van depends heavily on where you charge. Overnight charging at home or a depot on a smart EV tariff runs roughly 7–9p per kWh, while public rapid charging runs closer to 70p per kWh — a huge gap. Without off-street parking for reliable overnight charging, you're more likely to lean on public AC charging at a higher rate, which narrows the cost advantage over diesel considerably. If overnight depot or home charging isn't realistic for your setup, run the numbers carefully before committing.
Grants
The Plug-in Van Grant currently knocks a set amount off the price of qualifying new electric vans — roughly £2,500 for small vans and £5,000 for large vans at the time of writing — and government guidance has said support for electric vans and trucks will continue in some form to at least 2027. Grant amounts and eligibility get reviewed periodically, so confirm the current rate and terms with the dealer before you order, rather than budgeting on a figure from an article.
Payload and range figures vary a lot by specific van, body style, and fit-out — get a real-world range estimate for your actual loaded weight from the dealer or an owner community for the exact model you're considering, not just the manufacturer's brochure number.