According to a survey commissioned by vehicle manufacturer Ford, more than half of UK and German shoppers would prefer to receive online deliveries transported using electric-powered vehicles.
The results showed that 58% said they would prefer that their delivery service used an electric-powered vehicle, and 49% would be prepared to wait longer for greener deliveries. The number of shoppers prepared to pay extra for more energy-efficient deliveries was fewer – but still totaled 28%.
Ford commissioned the survey of 1,000 people across the UK and Germany to better understand consumer attitudes toward electrification. It notes that in light of Covid-19 lockdowns, the forthcoming Black Friday sales event is expected to be the biggest yet, driving an increase in van traffic delivering goods to customers; currently there are more than 32 million vans on Europe’s roads.
“Shopping from home is very much the ‘new normal’ and it is encouraging that for many people, how they get their deliveries is a key concern. We’re helping delivery companies to reduce their carbon footprint with our hybrid and zero-emissions-capable vans, including the upcoming all electric E-Transit,” remarked Dave Petts, market lead, urban electrified vans, Ford of Europe.
This year has seen the roll out of a number of hybrid and electric delivery vans, including Ford’s Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid and its E-Transit. The latter offers the same load capacity as a conventional van, with an electric range of 217 miles.
