Diesel favored by van fleet operators despite EV range worries.

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】Despite the recent record-breaking distance achieved by an electric van, van fleet operators are still hesitant to switch from diesel to electric due to concerns over range capabilities. Larger electric vans are particularly affected by payload, leading businesses to delay their electrification plans until models with greater ranges and better load capacity become available.

FutureCar Staff Aug 16, 2023 11:34 PM PT

Diesel favored by van fleet operators despite EV range worries.

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

However, despite this achievement, many fleet operators who rely on large vans are still hesitant to make the switch from diesel to electric. The range of bigger electric vans is heavily influenced by factors such as payload capacity, making it challenging for businesses to fully embrace electrification. As a result, many companies have decided to scale back their electrification plans until models with greater ranges and improved ability to handle heavy loads become available.

According to Ben Edwards, a consultant at Arval, the UK's third-largest vehicle leasing company, electric vans have always posed a challenge due to concerns about their capability to perform the required tasks. He points out that even with cars, the advertised range of 280 miles can be significantly reduced when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and luggage.