• Niall Riddell, CEO & Co-founder at Paua & co-host Chris Sass talk to Paul Kirby, eLCV Expert at EV Essentials about ‘Why should anyone care about electric vans’.
• Link in blog to full episode

Electric vans have a significant application in businesses and can potentially revolutionise the transportation industry.

Electric vans have been around since the early 1900s but lost prominence due to the emergence of combustion engine vehicles.

However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in electric vans, with major automobile companies introducing small electric vans. Electric vans are not just vehicles for transportation but are tools that help individuals and businesses earn a living.

They have diverse applications, ranging from delivering goods and services to enabling emergency services and internet networks.

The importance of electric vans lies in their ability to facilitate revenue generation and support various industries. The use of diesel vans contributes to heavy pollution and air quality issues, costing the NHS billions of pounds and causing thousands of deaths each year.

Electrifying vans can make a significant difference in reducing emissions and improving air quality. Electric vans are also more pleasant to drive, quieter, and have no emissions. However, there are some compromises, such as limited range compared to diesel vans. Overall, transitioning to electric vans can have a positive impact on both the environment and mental health and well-being.

‍The transition to electric vehicles in the UK

‍The transition is driven by legislation and efforts to decarbonise the grid. Electric vehicles offer advantages such as reduced maintenance, lower emissions, and decreased brake dust pollution. However, concerns over range, practicalities, and supply issues hinder widespread adoption.

The market for electric vans is primarily driven by national fleets and local small businesses. Insurance costs for electric vehicles can be higher due to more expensive repairs, but they are generally considered safer to drive. The insurance industry is adjusting to the changing landscape of electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems.

‍Charging vans vs cars: there are some key differences

‍Charging electric vans presents some unique considerations compared to charging electric cars. Public charging is not ideal for vans due to productivity issues and the negative image of occupying public charging points. Instead, it is recommended for vans to be fully charged before leaving the depot/home and arriving at the destination with more than 1% charge.

For large fleets, additional infrastructure like solar power, battery storage, or grid upgrades may be needed to support multiple charge points. For small businesses or individuals, charging at home is more convenient and may require only one charge for multiple days of use.

‍The EV Café and debunking myths

‍Education is crucial to ensure proper charging etiquette and prevent conflicts at charging stations.

There is a need to educate drivers about charging policies, timing, and the benefits of electric vehicles.

The EV Café is a platform that provides education and facilitates discussions to promote the transition to electric transport, which is supported by various companies and aims to debunk myths surrounding electric vehicles.

There are many different models of electric vans coming to market, including the Mercedes-Benz Vito, Chinese vans such as the Maxus Deliver 9 and the eDeliver 7, and the Ford Transit. Paul is keen to stress the revenue-generating potential of vans and the economic value this vehicle class can bring. Organisations may not actually be aware of the range of electric vans already available.

‍Where major companies are driving progress

‍Companies in the UK and Europe are committing to transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles in order to meet environmental goals. Many major companies, including BT, British Gas, DPD, DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Amazon, have signed agreements to support the adoption of EVs.

The transition is also being driven by government policies and targets, with a complete ban on diesel vehicles in the UK by 2035. Companies like Vauxhall and GM have committed to being fully zero-emission by 2028, while Mercedes plans to have all-electric platforms by 2026.

The tax system and infrastructure will need to adapt to support the transition, and there may be initial tax losses that will need to be offset in the long term.

Listen to the full episode here on Insiders Guide to Energy