Funds from this deal will play a pivotal role in financing Octopus’ flagship EV salary sacrifice programme. Launched in 2021, this scheme empowers drivers to save 30-40% each month on a brand new electric vehicle. Octopus offers an easy all-in-one service, providing the brand new car, charger and discounted energy tariff.
A study into EV adoption in the UK, for example, published in association with a consortium of leading automotive experts, revealed that despite current adoption being higher among older drivers, younger drivers aged 25-34 are the most likely to consider an EV as their next vehicle. But the same study also showed that younger drivers were more likely than older drivers to perceive costs of driving an EV to be higher than petrol and diesel vehicles.
While the average mileage driven per week has risen to between 100-200 miles per week in 2023, this has not dented the positive perception of EV range. 60% of drivers are now covering between 51-200 miles a week, and 27% covering more than 200 miles a week. Based on these average mileages, overall, 82% of drivers only need to only charge once a week to cover off their driving needs.
The additions include 60 new electric-driven VN5 vans from LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company): an award-winning electric van model with an onboard range extender. These vehicles join 10 LEVC VN5 vans which are already on the roads. Also joining the fleet are 43 fully electric small vans, which will complement the 33 Vivaro electric vans already driven by Anglian Water staff.
