The case for electric vans is starting to make more sense as diesel costs continue to rise.

According to EurotaxGlass’s, the pitfalls associated with electric power – battery reliability, durability and ownership cost – could no longer outweigh the benefits.

“National and local government incentives aim to convert more city-based light commercial vehicles from diesel to battery power,” said George Alexander, commercial vehicle editor for EurotaxGlass’s.

“Such programmes offer sizeable savings for van operators, particularly in London.

“With London’s Low Emission Zone to be contended with and the congestion charge to be paid, those opting for zero-emission vans which avoid these headaches are already benefiting financially.”

Electric vans are also excused from excise duty and MoT testing, and those over 3.5 tonnes are exempt from O-licensing – the operator licence usually needed to operate goods vehicles.

“The advice must be to run such a vehicle on a lease over an extended period in order to get the full value out of the technology,” Mr Alexander said.

“Those needing to transport loads over short distances on congested roads, typically at crawler speeds, might well discover that the time is right to go electric.”