Searches for ‘how much are electric vans’ are up by 100% over the last three months, while searches for ‘best electric vans’ have increased by 24% in the same period. However, despite the growing interest in EVs, there are still lots of misconceptions about making the switch to electric vans. To help, the experts at Vansdirect have shed light on the increasing popularity and misconceptions around switching to electric vans:
For the first time in the LCV market, ChatGPT will be offered to all Peugeot customers across its latest generation of light commercial vehicles. Using the ‘OK PEUGEOT’ voice assistant, the most well-known generative artificial intelligence model in the world is integrated into the Peugeot i-Cockpit, becoming a true driving partner.
The Iveco-badged vehicle will be the first export model to apply Hyundai’s new Global all-electric Light Commercial Vehicle (eLCV) platform, a dedicated global EV platform made for commercial vehicles ranging from GVW 2.5 tons to 3.5 tons. The innovative platform features Hyundai’s latest technology for next generation BEVs with a low-floor design that allows enhanced usability for cargo loading and carrying, designed to fit the emerging needs of future electrified Purpose Built Vehicles in the market.
Charging has emerged a key issue for those operating electric vans, whether that means finding power as part of a planned route that exceeds the vehicle’s range, overnight to ensure a van is ready for the following day, or in a part of the country where charging facilities are scarce. Many fleet operators can see the potential for sharing their infrastructure on this basis
SOGO provides an ultra-flexible service with leases available from one month to three years, and it operates nationally from a network of logistics hubs. It uses the latest technology to enable customers to order a vehicle in a matter of minutes.
The EV Transition Test is intended to provide a comparison between existing petrol or diesel commercial vehicles in operation, and a selection of electric alternatives. Using ZERO, those taking the ‘taste test’ will be able to not only enter details of a particular vehicle, but also routes, jobs, driving styles and alternative specifications to compare costs, energy needs and charging requirements.
New multi-energy platform covers all needs with 105 to 170 hp Diesel Blue dCi engines (substantially lowering CO2 emissions and consumption), 96 or 105-kW electric motors and 40 or 87 kWh batteries providing more than 250 miles of WLTP range, plus a hydrogen version.
Working in the UK with Norwegian industrial company, Hydro, WEVC will explore the use of certified recycled and low-carbon aluminium to produce bespoke patented extrusions for its eCV1 electric light commercial vehicle, which minimise carbon footprint and ensure responsible production.
All of the vans are from Maxus' EV range with 80 eDELIVER 3 and 20 eDELIVER 9 vehicles joining the G.Network fleet. The deal was struck through Maxus dealership, HTC Van Centre.
Stellantis is offering both BEV and fuel-cell options. The renewed commercial vehicle lineup brings with it a second generation of zero-emission technologies, including in-house EV battery systems that deliver greater range.
Discussions cover the importance having a plan and the benefits of starting the process sooner rather than later; why and how to stagger transitioning a fleet; the types of eLCVs currently available and the importance of ensuring a vehicle is suitable for its intended role; operational considerations such as charging logistics and driver education; and the cost benefits of going electric, from the grants currently available to the overall whole life cost benefits.
As well as switching to electric vehicles, many van drivers are embracing the changing profile of the ‘white van man’, with 59% saying that they’d prefer that this name be retired in favour of a more inclusive term and one in three (32%) happy to be referred to as a ‘white van person.’
There are growing concerns operational issues such as range and payload, problems that hydrogen would largely overcome. The Association of Fleet Professionals is reporting that fleets are returning to established strategies designed to reduce emissions with an increasing number working to further reduce CO2 in existing diesel vehicles rather than adopt further electric vehicles.
Liberty is engaging directly with its fleet drivers to identify those who would be eligible for Liberty’s innovative home charging solution. Delivered in partnership with Hypervolt, this allows chargers to be installed at the drivers’ homes. Charge usage will be monitored remotely by Liberty and reimbursed directly to drivers for charging their work vehicles at home.
Weather is proving to be much greater than originally thought with some AFP members seeing a drop in range approaching 50% during the coldest winter days on occasions when there was no opportunity to precondition the battery. However, other issues are emerging, too. Payload was already known to have a negative impact – although its extent has proven to be a surprise to some operators – but the effect of commonly-used fittings such as roof racks and ladder loaders are proving noticeable.
