Diesel remains favored by van fleet operators despite concerns over EV range.

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【Summary】Van fleet operators are hesitant to switch from diesel to electric vehicles (EVs) due to concerns about the range of larger electric vans. While a Fiat E-Scudo recently set a world record for the longest distance traveled by an electric van on a single charge, many businesses are waiting for models with greater range and better ability to handle heavy loads. The range of electric vans is affected by payload, making fleet operators skeptical about their suitability for larger jobs.

FutureCar Staff Aug 16, 2023 9:32 AM PT

Diesel remains favored by van fleet operators despite concerns over EV range.

On 29 July, a Fiat E-Scudo made history by setting the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance traveled by an electric van in a single charge: 311.18 miles.

This achievement showcases the progress that plug-in light commercial vehicles (LCVs) have made in recent years. However, despite this milestone, many fleets that rely on large vans are still hesitant to switch from diesel to electric. The range of bigger electric vans is particularly affected by the weight they carry, and businesses are cautious about transitioning to electric until models with greater ranges and better capabilities for heavy loads are available.

Ben Edwards, a consultant at Arval, the UK's third-biggest vehicle leasing company, highlighted the challenges faced by electric vans. He explained, "Electric vans have always been a bit of a struggle because there's a question of whether the larger ones are actually capable of doing the job."

He further emphasized the issue of range limitations in electric vehicles. When a car claims to have a range of 280 miles, for example, the actual range can be significantly reduced if the vehicle is carrying a full load of passengers and luggage.