Approximately 40% of vans are parked outside business parks, often at the homes of self-employed workers or employees. Only 20% of these households have a private driveway; the rest rely on public charging infrastructure. Vans typically charge in the evening or at night and have a higher charging demand than passenger cars.
For municipalities, this creates an additional challenge on top of the charging needs of passenger vehicles. If van electrification scales up, a rapid expansion of the charging network is needed. This becomes even more complex in older neighborhoods with limited parking space: vans often do not fit in standard parking spaces and may block multiple spots.
Policy options for municipalities:
- Enable charging within residential areas – by amending local parking regulations (APV) to allow larger vans to park (and charge) in neighborhoods.
- Provide charging at the edge of neighborhoods – through designated parking spots or fields with corresponding charging infrastructure.
- Facilitate charging at business parks – in coordination with employers, supported by enforcement and additional charging points.
Charging stations are only one piece of the puzzle. Other key considerations include safety, accessibility, and connectivity — all essential to maintaining a livable and attractive environment for residents and businesses.
Source: NKL