Are Electric Vans a Good Choice For Couriers?

Vanaways
Vanaways
17th May 2021
Are Electric Vans a Good Choice For Couriers?

Electric vans have increased in popularity over the last few years not only because of their environmentally friendly benefits but also because of efficiency. For couriers, these two factors make electric delivery vans a great option to consider when upgrading our fleet. Major courier services such as Amazon and Royal Mail have invested in electric courier vans, so why not follow suit?

Here’s all you need to know about electric parcel vans and what they can do for you.

Who is using electric delivery vans?

As the popularity of online shopping increases, especially over the past year, it’s more important than ever to have reliable delivery vehicles. In a bid to improve operations and environmental impacts, Amazon electric vans have been rolled out across the world, including the Mercedes e-Sprinter, as they aim to have 10,000 electric parcel vans on the road by 2022.

The same can also be said for Royal Mail who have joined the UK Electric Fleets Coalition and they already have the lowest reported C02 emissions per parcel amongst major UK delivery companies. Royal Mail electric vans have been tested across Birmingham, with more to follow in Leeds, Derby, Edinburgh and Bristol.

Why are electric vans beneficial for couriers?

For most couriers, a large percentage of their deliveries will involve city driving and that’s where electric delivery vans are ideal. DPD electric vans, for example, have done an amazing job at cutting emissions despite a 50% increase in parcel volumes every year.

Electric parcel vans provide many benefits, including:

Plug-in grant

Upgrading your fleet can be expensive but the great thing about switching to electric courier vans is that you may be eligible for a government grant. The van you purchase must have CO2 emissions of less than 75g/km and can travel at least 10 miles without any emissions at all. Meeting these regulations means you could receive a grant for 20% of the purchase price up to a maximum of £8,000.

Lower emissions

Imagine how many trips your delivery team do every day – that’s a lot of emissions. On the other hand, adding electric vans to your fleet means there is no fuel being burned and therefore no C02 emissions while driving. This is a great way of operating in a greener way and taking responsibility for your impact on the environment.

Suited to clean air zones

With more cities enforcing clean air zones this could be problematic for courier services that are not using electric vehicles. Switching to electric will allow you to continue making your inner-city deliveries without having to pay additional daily tolls.

If you’re wondering what electric vans couriers use, the team at Vanaways can help you find the right model. We offer a range of electric parcel vans at affordable prices as well as part-exchange options so you can move over to electric couriers vans in one easy step. Get in touch with us today for more information.

Vanaways Reviews

   
Lynne S

Lynne S

04 March 2026

"First time using Vansaway! I was in a bit of a panic as my van broke down and I was unable to fix it. My van is my livihood, so I looked into leasing and contract. I wish I done it sooner. I spoke to Jonathan as my first point of contact. I couldn't have got any luckier having him as my support. He was absolutely fantastic, he went above and beyond to help me. He was easy to contact and would always reply when I had any concerns or questions. His knowledge on all vehicles was impeccable, which made things easier. He listened to what I wanted and needed and explained everything thoroughly help me making the right choice in plan and kept in touch throughout the entire process! He knew I was in desperate need of a van and he did not disappoint and kept his word and I was able to get my new van delivered as soon as possible. Enjoying the drive. Its great about the perks involved in having a contract hire as well! Thank you so much for everything! Highly recommend, vans are just not how they use to be, so its great to have a brand new van along with the support of any engine faults things like that. A huge stress off my shoulders being sole trader."

Mike Collins

Mike Collins

18 February 2026

"Excellent service from start to finish. Rob was very helpful throughout the purchase of our Ford Transit tipper. Can’t recommend them enough. Mike Collins."

John Owens

John Owens

17 October 2025

"Fantastic service from start to finish. Liam took the time to listen to the vehicle that I wanted. Within 2 weeks the right vehicle was sourced and delivered Joe was on point with work out the logistics and taking care of my part ex with exception customer service Thank you both"

Sarah Ward

Sarah Ward

01 September 2025

"We have used Vanaways on two occasions now and the customer service has always been great. I contacted them as our team grew and withing 2 weeks we had the vans in our yard. Quick and efficient service all round. Tyler in the delivery department kept me up to date throughout the process. Would certainly recommend."

4.8 out of 5 from 481 reviews
Back to top