Driving Better Transport: 78% of drivers prefer electric buses as sector backs cleaner, better-connected transport future
London, UK (15 June 2026)
A new survey of bus and coach drivers across the UK reveals strong support for the transition to electric vehicles, highlighting their role in delivering better transport that connects communities, supports local economies and helps tackle climate change.
Research conducted by commercial e-fleet solutions provider VEV showed that 78% of drivers prefer driving electric vs diesel, highlighting smoother journeys, quieter cabins and improved passenger experience as key benefits of the transition.
This positive sentiment is driven largely by newer entrants to the industry, who see electric vehicles as a modernising force with drivers of all ages expressing their support for the wider transition.
Published as part of Better Transport Week, additional findings from the research show:
- Reduced cabin noise emerged as the standout benefit for 87% of drivers
- 67% of drivers reported lower fatigue behind the wheel
- 65% per cent of drivers described their electric vehicle as comfortable during a full shift.
Beyond operational changes, the survey points to a wider societal impact with three quarters of drivers reporting a clear improvement in passenger comfort and nine in ten reporting neutral or positive reactions, driven by quieter, smoother and cleaner journeys.
Sam Hoyland, Commercial and Marketing Director at VEV, said: “What’s striking about these findings is that they come from the people who spend all day behind the wheel. Drivers are telling us that electric buses create a better working environment, with less fatigue, less noise, and a smoother overall experience.
“The conversation around electrification often focuses on environmental targets and technology, but this research shows there is also a very human story. The people operating these vehicles every day are overwhelmingly positive about the experience, and that’s an important signal for the future of public transport.”
Silviya Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at the Campaign for Better Transport said: “Electric buses are great news for the environment and for our health, helping to reduce emissions and clean up our air. They also have the potential to transform how people experience public transport, making journeys quieter, smoother and more comfortable, and in turn encouraging more people to choose the bus.
“When public transport becomes a more attractive option, it helps people stay connected to work, education and healthcare, and to one another. That’s vital for building stronger, more inclusive communities and ensuring everyone can access the opportunities they need to thrive.”
With over 2,000 electric buses and coaches under management, VEV is one of the UK’s leading providers of intelligent fleet solutions and commercial charging infrastructure to the transport industry.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The findings of this research are based on an online survey of 114 bus and coach drivers aged 18-65+ conducted between 10th May and 9th June 2026.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact Media@vev.com. VEV’s media kit is available here.
About VEV
VEV helps organisations accelerate fleet electrification and make the most of the energy transition with an end-to-end solution that spans strategy, infrastructure, energy and ongoing operations.
Owned by Vitol, a global leader in energy, VEV combines deep energy expertise with advanced digital capabilities to help organisations reduce emissions, optimise total cost of ownership and transition confidently to an electrified future.
At the core of VEV’s offering is VEV IQ, an intelligent charging and energy management platform that provides real-time visibility and control across thousands of chargers, vehicles and energy assets to enable smart charging optimisation, reduced energy costs and reliable fleet performance at scale.
More information at vev.com
