Are Electric Vans the Future?

With new makes and models popping up are electric vans increasing in popularity and are electric vehicles something we will all be driving before long?  If would seem this may just be how the future is going.

Many van manufacturers are focusing on electric vans with Renault, Nissan, Peugeot, Iveco, Ford and Citroen already producing electric models and other manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Mercedes are due to launch there electric vans imminently.  

Air pollution is a huge issue, the Government are encouraging people to buy electric vans by offering a Government grant that will take 20% off the cost of purchasing an electric van, up to a maximum of £8,000.  Business users can also benefit from better tax rates for electric vans.

Local authorities are bringing in tougher legislation for pollution from vehicles in urban zones.

Although the list prices of electric vans is more expensive than diesel or petrol engines the Government grant and much cheaper running costs should make up for this.

A consideration factor when looking to purchase an electric van is the distance you can travel between battery charges.  Both the Nissan e-NV200 and the Renault Kangoo ZE have a range of up to 106 miles between charges.  This range will be reduced if you have passengers, carry a load, use the air conditioning or heating.  So long distance travel is not an option without factoring in stops for recharge.  

It is also vital that you are able to charge the van at home and need a convenient place to park or a garage that has access to a charging point.  A wall box charger is the best way to charge overnight.  Home charging boxes normally take between 4 and 8 hours to fully charge.  A charge from a three-pin plug socket takes about 12 hours from flat.  An overnight home charge will cost about £1.50, so the savings are considerable compared to diesel or petrol vans.

Servicing costs are reduced for electric vans too as there is no engine to maintain and fewer parts.

Here at Cheshire Vehicle Supplies we are always looking to the future and hope to have electric vans available on our forecourt in Warrington very soon.