OVER THREE-QUARTERS OF VAN DRIVERS EXPERIENCE NEGATIVE BEHAVIOUR FROM OTHER MOTORISTS

Over three-quarters (78%*) of van drivers experience negative behaviour from other road users simply because they drive a van, according to research commissioned by PEUGEOT.

A poll of 1,000 drivers who use a van for work** found that over half (53%) have been cut up on the road, with other common forms of abuse including being verbally sworn at (51%) and tailgating (41%), while one quarter (26%) have even been threatened with physical violence.

The majority (79%) of van drivers agree this behaviour is attributed to how they are perceived by other motorists, with 73% saying they feel misunderstood by the general public, rising to 78% among electric van drivers. PEUGEOT is at the forefront of the electric van market with three fully electric models, part of the widest electric vehicle line-up of any mainstream European brand. Adding to this, all electric van models are eligible for the government’s Plug-in Van Grant, which is worth up to £5,000 and was recently extended until 2027.

The most common stereotypes van drivers come up against are aggressive behaviour (46%), poor driving (43%) and having dirty or untidy vehicles (35%). In contrast to these stereotypes, two-thirds (67%) of van drivers say they make a point of being mindful of other road users, while over half (53%) argue they are more proficient than many other motorists because driving a van requires a different skill-set compared to driving a car.

These negative experiences have a significant impact on van owners’ driving behaviour, with 71% feeling like they must defend themselves or prove they are a good driver when behind the wheel. 61% say they often or always feel pressure to drive with more vigilance because of how they are perceived, while half (51%) have even altered their route, parking or behaviour to avoid conflict with other road users.

Even when stationary, van drivers are on the receiving end of perceived negative sentiment, with 79% feeling judged at least some of the time for taking up space when parking their van in cities.

In contrast, 56% of electric van drivers think they are perceived positively when charging their van in public spaces. Overall, 64% of electric van drivers feel they are perceived more positively by other road users since switching from their petrol or diesel van. PEUGEOT’s electric van line-up consists of the E-PARTNER, E-EXPERT and E-BOXER, all of which are currently available with 0% APR on Conditional Sale***, helping businesses to spread the cost of going electric with no interest to pay.

Nicola Dobson, PEUGEOT UK Managing Director, said: “It’s time for the outdated stereotypes of van drivers to be re-evaluated. At PEUGEOT, we know that the majority of van drivers take pride in their vehicle and are among the most skilled and considerate drivers on the road. As a leader in the electric van market, it’s encouraging to see electric van drivers reporting a positive shift in perceptions since going electric.”

Pride and joy

PEUGEOT’s research also found van drivers take significant pride in looking after their vehicle, with 96% agreeing it is important to keep their van clean and well-maintained. In fact, 86% go as far as saying it would reflect badly on them as a professional if they turned up to work in a dirty van.

One-third (32%) of van drivers clean their van weekly, over a quarter (27%) clean it every few days, and 14% clean it daily. Electric van drivers are most fastidious when it comes to keeping their vehicle clean, with 26% cleaning it daily and 42% doing so every few days.

Van drivers also perform regular maintenance checks on their vehicle, with 28% conducting a weekly check of their van for issues (e.g. tyres, oil level and brakes). Many van drivers do this even more frequently, with 19% carrying out checks every few days, and the same percentage doing this daily. Over 12 months, van drivers spend an average of £1,389 maintaining their vehicle. To help lower maintenance costs, PEUGEOT offers LCV business customers a four-year service plan for just £199 on electric vans or £299 for diesel vans****.

While 70% of those surveyed cited safety as the top factor motivating them to take care of their van, 57% also cited personal reputation and pride in the appearance and condition of their van as key reasons.

PEUGEOT’s all-electric van line-up combines efficiency, practicality and performance, with models to suit every business need. The E-PARTNER – the UK’s best-selling compact electric van in 2024 – is manufactured at Ellesmere Port and offers a range of up to 213 miles (WLTP). The mid-sized E-EXPERT delivers a 219-mile range (WLTP), with up to 6.6m³ of load space and a 1,220kg payload, while the largest model, the E-BOXER, provides up to 263 miles of range (WLTP) and rapid charging capability from 0–80% in just 55 minutes.

ENDS

*38% sometimes experience negative behaviour, 27% experience it often and 14% very often

**Survey of 1,000 UK commercial van drivers (including 100 electric van drivers) carried out by OnePoll, August 2025

***Conditional Sale. Offer subject to availability, on selected models at participating retailers only. 20% minimum deposit required. Finance subject to status. T&Cs and exclusions apply. Applicants must be 18+. A guarantee may be required. 24-48 month terms available. Finance by Stellantis Financial Services, RH1 1QA. Offer applies to Business Users only. Available on orders placed from 01/07/2025 to 30/09/2025.

****T&Cs apply. Please visit https://www.peugeot.co.uk/business/maintain-business-vehicle/business-package.html

ABOUT PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT offers the widest EV lineup of any European mainstream brand, covering all needs from urban cars to commercial vehicles. The French charisma, the driving sensations and the Designed to last constitute the brand values of PEUGEOT. Established in over 140 countries, PEUGEOT sold almost 1.1 million vehicles worldwide in 2024. Already the leader in electric B-segment and LCV vehicles in Europe, PEUGEOT is now offering a complete lineup of 12 models, of which nine are Passenger cars and three LCVs. PEUGEOT offers 8-year/100,000-mile PEUGEOT CARE coverage on the battery and the vehicle of all its core electric passenger cars for complete peace of mind. PEUGEOT products incorporate the latest technology, showcased by the Panoramic i-Cockpit and ChatGPT® on board across the entire range. PEUGEOT is also committed to educating younger generations by supporting initiatives, such as Born Free and Under The Pole, to bring them closer to nature. Furthermore, PEUGEOT's passion for performance and innovation is showcased through the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar, which competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.