Diesel favored by van fleet operators despite EV range worries.

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【Summary】Van fleet operators are hesitant to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) due to concerns over their range. While a Fiat E-Scudo recently set a world record for the longest distance traveled by an electric van in a single charge, larger electric vans are still not seen as capable of handling heavy loads. Many businesses are waiting for EV models with greater ranges and better payload capabilities before fully embracing electrification.

FutureCar Staff Aug 18, 2023 7:05 AM PT

Diesel favored by van fleet operators despite EV range worries.

On 29 July, a Fiat E-Scudo made history by setting the Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by an electric van on a single charge. The impressive record stood at 311.18 miles, showcasing the potential of plug-in light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the market.

However, despite this achievement, many fleets that operate large vans are still hesitant to fully embrace electric vehicles. One of the main concerns is the limited range of bigger electric vans, which is heavily affected by the payload they carry. As a result, numerous businesses have decided to delay their electrification plans until models with greater ranges and better capability to handle heavy loads become available.

Ben Edwards, a consultant at Arval, the UK's third-largest vehicle leasing company, expressed the common sentiment regarding electric vans. He highlighted the ongoing struggle of determining whether larger electric vans are truly capable of fulfilling the demands of various job requirements.

He further emphasized the issue of range limitations in electric vehicles, drawing a comparison to cars. Edwards explained that when a car claims to have a range of 280 miles, the actual range can significantly decrease if the vehicle is carrying a full load of passengers and luggage.