Diesel remains popular among 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 over the limited range of bigger electric vans and their ability to handle heavy loads. While smaller electric vans are making progress, businesses are waiting for models with greater ranges and better load capacity. There is skepticism about whether larger electric vans can effectively perform the necessary tasks.

FutureCar Staff Aug 25, 2023 5:10 PM PT

Diesel remains popular among van fleet operators despite EV range worries.

On 29 July, a Fiat E-Scudo made headlines by setting a new Guinness World Record. The electric van managed to travel an impressive distance of 311.18 miles on a single charge. This achievement is a clear indication that plug-in light commercial vehicles (LCVs) are making significant progress in the right direction.

However, despite this milestone, many fleets that operate larger vans are still not convinced to make the switch from diesel to electric. The range of bigger electric vans is highly dependent on the payload they carry. 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.

Ben Edwards, a consultant at Arval, the UK's third-biggest vehicle leasing company, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by electric vans. He expressed concerns about whether larger electric vans are truly capable of fulfilling the demands of various job requirements. Edwards compared this to the experience of driving a car with a full load, where the actual range may differ significantly from what is advertised.