Diesel favored by van fleet operators despite EV range worries

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【Summary】Van fleet operators are hesitant to switch from diesel to electric vehicles (EVs) due to concerns about the limited range and payload capacity of larger electric vans. While smaller EVs are making progress, many businesses are waiting for models with greater ranges and better load-handling capabilities. The recent Guinness World Record set by a Fiat E-Scudo, which traveled 311.

FutureCar Staff Aug 23, 2023 7:09 AM 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 greatest distance traveled by an electric van in 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 fleets that operate larger vans remain hesitant to switch from diesel to electric. One of the main concerns is the limited range of bigger electric vans, which can be significantly affected by payload. As a result, many businesses have decided to scale back their electrification plans until models with greater ranges and better capabilities to handle heavy loads become available.

According to Ben Edwards, a consultant at Arval, the UK's third-biggest vehicle leasing company, electric vans have always faced challenges in proving their suitability for larger tasks. Questions arise about whether these vans are actually capable of performing the required jobs. Edwards also points out that the advertised range of electric vehicles can be misleading, as factors such as passenger occupancy and cargo load can significantly affect the actual range experienced by the driver.