The number of fleets operating used vans is expected to more than double in the next three years, according to new research from Arval.
Currently, 15% of fleets use preowned vans, but that share is projected to rise to 39% by 2026. The Arval Fleet and Mobility Observatory identified this change as a rapid adjustment to align with car fleets, where 53% already rely on used vehicles.
Cost and convenience drive the shift
John Peters, head of the observatory in the UK, said van operators have been slower to adopt used vehicles than car fleet managers. The difference is shrinking quickly.
“Several factors explain this change, but cost stands out,” Peters said. “New vehicles have become more expensive, especially for fleets transitioning to electric models. Used vans now offer a practical alternative.”
The trend varies by fleet size. Larger companies—those with over 1,000 employees—are adopting used vans faster, with 46% planning to increase purchases. Mid-sized fleets (100-999 employees) trail at 35%, while the smallest operators (1-99 employees) sit at 39%.
Peters noted this pattern was unexpected, as big companies usually prefer bulk orders of identical vehicles. Evidence suggests many preowned vans are being bought for temporary roles or specialized tasks.
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Demand isn’t limited to fleets. Auction data from JD Power (Glass’s) shows electric van sales rose 11.5% in June. Buyers are growing more confident in the technology, aided by clearer battery health disclosures in listings. This transparency improved first-time conversion rates, though they fell slightly to 85%.
Older, lower-mileage vans hit the market
The average age of vans sold at auction reached 39.5 months in June, while mileage dropped by over 2,000 to 19,828. This change reduced average sale prices by nearly 10%, bringing them to just over £9,250. Medium-sized electric vans dominated sales at 50%, with small vans making up 32.7%.
Andy Picton, a residual value analyst at JD Power, said the figures show a more stable market. “Buyers now understand the product better and make smarter choices,” he said.
The growth of used vans aligns with broader industry moves. Companies like Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have expanded their used inventory to include models such as the Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Combo Cargo, and Toyota ProAce.
Peters acknowledged some fleets might face higher maintenance costs later. For now, confidence remains strong. If projections hold, nearly two in five fleets will operate used vans by 2026—a shift few predicted recently.
The trend could pressure manufacturers. If new van demand weakens, automakers may need to adjust pricing or leasing terms to retain buyers.
