The Best Electric Vans & Trucks Currently On The Market
Image credit: www.volvotrucks.com
Electric vans and trucks are about to have their heyday, thanks to generous buying incentives, exemptions from levies, attractive tax advantages and low running costs.
In the past, vans were seen as heavy-duty gas-guzzling machines that pumped out diesel fumes. Today, the number of well-equipped, sleak efficient models is constantly increasing.
Plan Insurance can accommodate your Motor Fleet Insurance needs, We also offer innovative Pay Per Mile Insurance options. Just fill in our short online quote form, and our professional brokers will be in contact to arrange your insurance.
The rise of electric vans
Although exploding in popularity, electric vans are still in the minority. They accounted for just 3.59% of overall new UK van registrations in 2021, according to The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Even though the number of new electric vans sold last year soared by 142.3%, this only equated to 12,759 out of 355,380 overall sold.
That shouldn’t dampen the rise of the electric van insurance market for Plan, as this year’s new releases look especially promising.
The future of Electric v Diesel in Commercial Vehicles
Diesel was the most popular fuel type for commercial vehicles in January 2022, with a 94.3% market share. However, demand for battery-powered vans grew 21.4%. Definitely a progression in the right direction.
At the start of this year, SMMT’s chief executive Mike Hawes predicted that roughly one in 16 new vans will be fully electric this year. Electric van uptake is predicted to climb this year as a result of the launch of new models.
In November 2020, the UK government announced the end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. All new cars and vans will be zero-emission by 2035.
Below we pick out some of the best EV trucks and vans on the market. Many of these models will be exhibiting at the upcoming Road Transport Expo. So in one day you’ll be able to get your hands on them and your head around all of the potential logistics.
3 of the best electric vans on the market…
The Renault Zoe Van
This isn’t just the smallest electric van on this list, but also of the smallest vans of any kind you can buy in the UK. This means it has a tiny load space (it really is just a Zoe car with the rear seats removed), however, it makes up for incredible driving range.
In fact, it offers 245 miles of WLTP, which is more than any other electric van of any size. Because it’s closer to a car in size, it’s also comfortable and easy to drive.
New Renault Zoe electric car shown at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show. Geneva, Switzerland – March 5, 2019.
The Citroen e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner and Vauxhall Combo-e
We’ve included these three in one entry because this trio of vans are all from the Stellantis group of companies. They have the same outstanding electric performance capability, reasonable pricing and over 800kg of payload capacity.
They all boast an impressive 171-mile driving range too. We suspect that they won’t go that far in reality, especially with a heavily loaded vehicle, however, they still are still some of the best small electric vans you can currently buy.
BRUSSELS – JAN 18, 2019: Peugeot Partner commercial vehicle showcased at the 97th Brussels Motor Show 2019 Autosalon.
Mercedes eVito
The model is attractively priced for a Mercedes and hosts a fantastic driving experience.
The new version comes in a choice of two body lengths, with a payload of around 900kg. The new version of this electric minibus has a bigger battery, and can now travel up to 261 miles between charges.
Tonsberg, Norway – Mercedes eVito in black
The new electric trucks to watch out for at Ride & Drive this year!
The Road Transport Expo takes place between June 30th and July 2nd 2022. The exciting new show taking place at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warickshire. The event organisers are promising that HGV owners and fleet operators be offered viewings of the latest models, ‘ride and drive’ opportunities, seminars and live demonstrations. In terms of HGV’s they “will be at the very heart of everything.”
The electric offering is particularly strong with the below manufacturers in attendance. Don’t forget if you end up making a purchase, Plan would love to help arrange your commercial vehicle insurance whether its an electric van, truck and/or HGV fleet.
Scania
Scania will be at RTX this year, showing off their new fully-electric truck, the new plug-in hybrid vehicle and Super range. Their updated battery electric trucks. are available both as a rigid truck and as a trailer tractor. The “brand new driveline, improved batteries, faster and more powerful charging capabilities, 320 km range at 40 tonnes load and 230 km range at the 64 tonnes max GTW” sounds worth our commercial fleet insurance clients considering.
Dennis Eagle
Dennis Eagle is introducing their all-new 100% electric refuse collection vehicle. Andy Graves, product marketing manager at Dennis Eagle is encouraging attendees to “try it for yourself during a Ride & Drive session.”
FUSO
Have a first taste of zero-tailpipe-emissions trucking, with FUSO’s eCanter. It’s a fully electric 7.5-tonner with a 4-tonne payload allowance and a range of more than 100km.
Renault Electric Trucks
Renault will be bringing their 16-tonne electric truck, 26-tonne low-entry cabs, E-Tech Masters and a 26-tonne fridge. Pure EV and hybrid modes are available. Renault Trucks D E-Tech and D Wide E-Tech promise to adapt to all situations. So there could me an option that already suits your operation without having to wait for the tech to develope further. Their pure EV trucks can fully recharge in less than two hours and also fast charge overnight on a conventional industrial outlet. Renault Trucks D E-Tech and D Wide E-Tech adapt to all situations.
Volvo Trucks
Martin Tomlinson, truck demonstration and driver development, at the now Chinese owned manufacturer is promising to display its full range of trucks with Ride & Drive available. Their new electric offerings now include the Volvo VNR Electric with an enhanced version of the class 8* electric truck providing operational range of up to 275 miles and increased energy storage of up to 565kWh.
The Road Transport Expo (RTX) is brought to you by the publisher of Commercial Motor, Motor Transport, Transport News and Truck & Driver. There’s still time to get your free tickets to this trade show and explore the potential options.
