Fleets Hesitant to Transition to Large Electric Vans Despite Increased Range
Electric vans are gaining momentum in the automotive industry, with the Fiat E-Scudo recently setting a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance traveled by an electric van in a single charge – an impressive 311.18 miles. However, despite this achievement, fleet operators running large vans are still hesitant to make the switch from diesel to electric. The limited range of larger electric vans, especially when carrying heavy loads, has raised concerns among businesses, leading them to scale back their electrification plans.
Ben Edwards, a consultant at Arval, one of the UK’s largest vehicle leasing companies, explains the challenges faced by electric vans. He highlights that just like cars, the range of electric vans is significantly affected by factors such as payload and passenger capacity. Most vans are not empty when in use; engineer vans and utility vans are typically full most of the time. Therefore, it is crucial for the range claims of electric vans to be more realistic and reflective of real-world conditions.
The Association of Fleet Professionals supports this viewpoint and reports that its members have slowed down or even temporarily halted the acquisition of electric vans due to operational issues such as range, payload capacity, and charging infrastructure. Chairman Paul Hollick emphasizes that fleet operators are not resisting electrification but rather waiting for improvements in various areas, including charging infrastructure, operational practices, and vehicle capabilities.
For businesses in this demographic, the recommendation is to continue using diesel vans until plug-in equivalents with sufficient laden range become available. Edwards suggests that operators should order diesel vans until the last possible moment, as there are promising electric van models on the horizon. However, for large vans weighing 3.5 tonnes and potentially towing heavy equipment, current electric van options are not feasible due to their limited range when loaded.
To address these challenges, Edwards proposes a phased approach to electric van adoption. He advises fleets new to electric vans to initially run them in smaller capacities, allowing operators to gain experience and familiarity with the technology. This approach will help them understand the downtime and charging opportunities associated with electric vans, enabling a smoother transition when more capable models are introduced.
It is crucial for the industry to focus on developing electric vans that can handle heavy loads and offer extended ranges. This will require advancements in battery technology and improvements in vehicle design. Additionally, investments in charging infrastructure, both domestically and publicly, are necessary to support the widespread adoption of electric vans.
Despite the current limitations, there are positive developments in the electric van market. The Ford E-Transit, for example, was recently named What Car? Van of the Year. This recognition highlights the potential of electric vans and encourages further innovation in the sector.
In conclusion, while electric vans have made significant progress in terms of range, fleet operators running large vans remain cautious about transitioning from diesel. The limited range of larger electric vans when carrying heavy loads poses practical challenges for businesses. However, with ongoing advancements in technology and infrastructure, it is expected that more capable electric van models will be available in the near future. In the meantime, fleet operators are advised to gradually introduce electric vans into their operations and gain valuable experience before a wider rollout.