Interview – Statkraft and the Future of Renewable Energy
Richard Mardon, Head of UK Development at Statkraft, Mer’s parent...
The UK is racing forward with the move to electric vehicles (EV) and many businesses are looking to become a part of the EVolution by switching their fleets to EVs.
However, one of the biggest challenges for the commercial sector is still that of choice. Although the number of EV commercial vehicles is growing, they are still lagging behind the passenger EV market, with range often being cited as one of the barriers to commercial vehicle operators. There’s a lot to consider for a business when looking to convert their fleet including priorities such as load size, charging speed, driving range and running costs for example.
We have selected a range of some of the best commercial electric vans available or coming soon on the market.
Price range: from £23,300
Range: 124-187 miles
Charging capability (20%-80%)
Load capacity: Up to 4.2m3
Payload: 705kg
One of the first commercial vehicles on the UK market, the Nissan e-NV200 is still going strong and has been the commercial vehicle of choice for many early-adopter organisations.
With its updated battery (40kWh), the e-NV200 has a range of up to 187 miles. Plugged into a rapid charger this van can reach 80% charge in just 60 minutes. Both cost-effective and practical, it is an incredibly capable alternative to your typical ICE van. With a cargo capacity of up to 4.2m3, it’s ideal for a small business carrying out urban deliveries looking to transition their fleet.
Price from: £30,495
Range: 245 miles
Charging capability (20%-80%)
Load capacity: 1m3
Payload: 486kg
The ZOE Van E-tech has a range of 245 miles with its 50kWh battery, helping make range anxiety a thing of the past.
This small EV from Renault is the UK’s only 100% electric car-derived van. The interior is clean and simple, designed with comfort in mind. There’s a large display screen on the front dashboard, but the technology inside this van doesn’t feel like overkill. The generous space at the back allows for great storage room to transport your cargo.
The ZOE Van is the perfect car/van crossover.
Price from: £39,895
Range: 162 miles
Charging capability (20%-80%)
Load capacity: 6.3m3
Payload: 807kg
The eVito panel van (66kWh) is the perfect answer to a mid-size electric van. With a loading volume of 6.3m3 it’s an ideal choice for a tradesman. It features both side-sliding doors and rear end double doors for practical entry.
The electric van offers several simple but effective cost cutting features to help keep your operation safe, secure and efficient such as; double locks & anti-theft protection, reversing camera, on-the-go power regeneration, live traffic reports and headlight assistant.
Using an AC fast charger, the eVito will take around 6 hours to reach a full charge and has an average combined range of 162 miles.
Price from: £35,370
Range: 205 miles
Charging capability (20%-80%)
Load capacity: 6.6m3
Payload: 1226kg
Winner of the What Van? Medium Van of the Year award, the zero emissions Vivaro-e commercial van is durable and dependable, ideally suited for commercial professionals. With helpful features such as automatic side-opening doors and the ability to tow trailers, this panel van is versatile and practical.
The Vivaro-e comes with driver safety features and security system as standard. Vauxhall Connect includes e-call with automatic response incase of emergency.
The 75kWh battery takes just 45 minutes to charge to 80% and using the regenerative braking feature, you can save charge and money. The Vauxhall Vivaro-e boasts a range of 205 miles (75kWh), great for those long distance jobs.
Price from: £30,000
Range: 213 miles
Charging capability (20%-80%)
Load capacity: 4.8m3
Payload: 945kg
Another mid-size electric van on the market, is the Maxus eDeliver 3. It uses aerodynamic principles to reduce wind resistance and lighten the entire vehicle, and has been designed with strength and payload in mind.
This van is one that will ‘get the job done’ hosting a mix of uncomplicated features such as; two driving modes, energy recovery modes, dual rear barn doors and much more. Internally the design is simple and resembles your classic van with ease of use and convenience at the heart.
The eDELIVER 3 is available in three different models and battery configurations; SWB 35kWh, SWB 52.5kWh and the chassis cab 52.kWh.
Price from: £31,200
Range: 82-95 miles
Charging capability (20%-80%)
Load capacity: 11m3
Payload: 731kg
Efficient and reliable, the Mercedes eSprinter is designed for hard work, connectivity and safety. It comes with both rapid and fast charging options, with a combined range of 96 miles. The interior has been designed to be both comfortable and convenient, without over-complicated and unnecessary gadgets.
With free integrated vehicle monitoring software you’re able to remotely manage security, organise schedules and map out the most efficient routes – saving your business both time and money.
If you want a van that’s robust, cost-effective and sustainable, this is a good choice.
Price from: £45,695
Range: 166-196 miles
Charging capability (20%-80%)
Load capacity: 15.1m3
Payload: 1758kg
The Ford E-Transit is Ford’s first all-electric van. With a range of up to 196 miles and a generous load space of 15.1m3 with a payload of up to 1,758kgm it’s a good option for carrying the tools for the job will be no issue.
The E-Transit also has a unique feature that allows you to charge your tools and equipment on board and on the go, without the need of a generator.
A large electric van with an impressive range and unique features, the Ford E-Transit is a definite asset to any business carrying out long distance, heavy duty tasks.
Price from: TBC
Range: 150 miles
Charging capability (20%-80%)
Load capacity: 14.0m3
Payload: 861kg
Coming up soon is the new Arrival electric van. The UK start-up’s vans are hotly anticipated and two of its early customers – UPS and fleet management company LeasePlan – have already placed large orders.
The vans are built using a modular design and be customised more easily for the needs of a specific customer or market. Due to the minimalist design and engineering of the Arrival cargo van, the EV can stay on the road for longer with few points of failure causing the need for downtime. Built-in fault-detection software (Arrival Service Platform) will also notify of any issues with the vehicle in real-time, enabling replacement parts to be ordered ahead of time.
The Van’s body panels are made from proprietary composite materials and they are low cost, strong and lightweight – which not only helps with range but also makes them more resistant to damage.
This unique electric van from Arrival is attractive, functional and sustainable, suited for urban environments. We can’t wait to see it on our roads.
Price from: TBC
Range: 198 miles
Charging capability (20%-80%)
Load capacity: 4.8m3
Payload: 740kg
Hot off the press and recently launched in the UK at the Commercial Vehicle Show, the Maxus T90 EV is the first fully electric pick-up truck to arrive in the UK. Suitable for both on and off-road driving, the vehicle has a well proportioned load-bed and a roomy interior suitable for up to five passengers.
The new arrival will be available to order from August 2022 with delivery beginning in Q1 2023. Watch this space for more details being announced soon.
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