The cost of purchasing low carbon vans is the main barrier to uptake among commercial vehicle buyers, a survey from the Department of Transport (DfT) has revealed.
The Government department sent out questionnaires in the summer of 2009 to owners of ‘low carbon vans’ and owners of ‘non low carbon vans’, although the details are rather vague, the survey did reveal some interesting results.
Firstly it appears that a lack of awareness of greener alternatives was not a problem, with 65 per cent of those non low carbon vans revealing that they are aware of greener options.
The main reason for not purchasing a low carbon van was reported as being ‘purchase costs’ with 68 per cent of respondents naming this as the main deterrent. When asked about what would most incentivise them to make the switch to a low carbon vehicle options reducing purchase costs came top followed by reduced operating costs while others said reassurances over the performance of such vehicles, e.g. improved carrying capacity, improved reliability including battery life of low carbon options such as electric vehicles would most encourage them to make the switch.
Finally the survey reported no difference in the weekly distance travelled by those operating low carbon vans compared to all vans.
