A new VEV survey of UK bus and coach drivers found that 78% prefer driving electric vehicles over their diesel counterparts. Published during Better Transport Week, the research also found nine in ten drivers noticed neutral or positive passenger reactions to electric buses.
The survey found that 78% of drivers favour electric over diesel, citing smoother journeys, quieter cabins and a better passenger experience as the main reasons. The research suggests this enthusiasm is being driven largely by newer entrants to the industry, though positive sentiment towards electrification was reported across drivers of all ages.
UK bus operators have steadily expanded their electric fleets in recent years, supported by government schemes such as the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas programme, as towns and cities look to cut emissions from public transport and improve local air quality.
Reduced cabin noise emerged as the most widely cited benefit, recognised by 87% of those surveyed. Lower fatigue behind the wheel was reported by 67% of drivers, while 65% described their electric vehicle as comfortable to operate across a full shift. The survey also captured the knock-on effect for passengers. Three quarters of drivers said they had noticed a clear improvement in passenger comfort since switching to electric vehicles, and nine in ten reported neutral or positive reactions overall, which they linked to quieter, smoother and cleaner journeys.
The findings add a driver’s perspective to a transition that has often been framed around emissions targets, subsidies and charging infrastructure. With recruitment and retention an ongoing concern for bus and coach operators, driver experience and satisfaction could become a more prominent factor in fleet decisions, alongside the usual considerations of running costs and route suitability.
VEV, which manages more than 2,000 electric buses and coaches alongside the charging infrastructure that supports them, positions itself as one of the larger players in UK commercial EV fleet management. The research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the operational case for bus electrification.
Sam Hoyland, Commercial and Marketing Director at VEV, commented:
“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, added:
“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.”
