There is no denying that the UK vehicle market is making its move towards more eco-friendly vehicles. With European Emissions Standards becoming more stringent and more major UK cities planning Clean Air Zones, it is no wonder that we are seeing a rise in the number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the market.

There are a whole host of new things to consider if you’re wondering if an Electric Vehicle would be right for you. That is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to Electric Vehicles, making sure you know the ins and outs of what may be the vehicles of the future.

What’s the Range of Electric Vans?

The expected driving distance on a single charge, also known as range is probably the biggest factor you should look at if you’re considering moving to an Electric Van.

Although many of the newest Electric Vans have a quoted range of over 100 miles, this is still nowhere near the standard driving range you would expect from a tank of diesel. So, if you are looking to drive any significant distance, then going electric (for now) is probably not for you.

Make sure to note that the range on your Electric Van can also be affected by a number of outside factors. For example, EVs hate the cold. Low temperatures can have a significant adverse effect on battery life, in some cases nearly halving the range from a full charge. Other factors include cabin heating and air-con which add demand to the battery.

If you’re looking for a van for your city-based business, however, then electric may be the way to go. In an urban setting, where businesses are seeing a huge increase in local deliveries as people shop from home, the electric van is in its element. With relatively short distance journeys there is no need for Range Anxiety; charging points can usually be found close by, and there is no need for concern over unexpected Clean Air Zone charges.

Confident in your daily mileage, and looking to keep your vehicle environmentally friendly? Based in a city and want to avoid expensive low emission zone charges? Sounds like you should consider an Electric Van.

Charging Considerations for Electric Vans

Charging your Electric Van is equivalent to you visiting a service station to fuel up. However, unlike topping up your conventional van with petrol or diesel, there are a few different options available when it comes to charging your Electric Van.

There are three main types of charging for electric vehicles – Rapid, Fast and Slow.

Rapid Chargers

Rapid chargers can be found at motorway service stations, where re-charging in a hurry is important. These chargers supply large amounts of power (typically 50kW) and can almost fully charge an EV in around half an hour.

Fast Chargers

Fast chargers offer between 7kW and 22 kW of power- allowing EVs to recharge in between 1-6 hours, depending on power output. These are usually found in public areas where you are likely to park for longer.

Slow Chargers

A Wall Box charging station is definitely the most convenient of EV charging options. You can get a wall box installed at home, or wherever you leave the van overnight. Wall Boxes are an example of Slow EV charging

Put in the simplest terms, how fast your electric vehicle charges depends on the power output of the charger you’re using, the size of the vehicle’s battery, and its maximum charge-rate capability.

For more information on the capabilities of electrics vans, please read our complete guide to electric vans.

Running Costs of Electric Vans

Electric Vans are expensive to buy – however, running costs are just one of the areas in which electric vehicles are cheaper than petrol or diesel vans.

No more trips to the petrol station! A 100 miles in a medium sized diesel van would cost you approximately £14. Fully charging your electric van at home will give you the full range of your vehicle for under £10. (Some energy companies are even offering special tariffs specifically for Electric Vehicle owners).

With less moving parts, there is less to go wrong. With electric vans, maintenance costs are another area that you save money.

Most electric vans have automatic transmission, meaning there is no gearbox or expensive clutch to be replaced.

Your brakes are also subject to less wear-and-tear. Due to the nature of electric motors, when you stop accelerating the motor re-coups energy to top up the battery, creating a slowing effect. This means less braking and therefore less stress on your brakes.

Although batteries degrade throughout their life, most manufacturers offer long warranties to ensure your electric van is always functioning at optimum efficiency. 

For more information on the financial benefits of electric vans, please read our blog post on the benefits of electric vans.

Driving an Electric Van

The first major difference you notice when you’re driving an Electric Van is the noise – or rather the lack of it. Without the noise of an engine, electric vans are near-silent, with a soft hum only noticeable at lower speeds.

The other difference to note is electric vehicles can provide maximum torque instantly – meaning you have full power immediately on pulling away.

While most electric vehicles offer a responsive and progressive driving experience, with a huge variety of small, medium, and large electric vans becoming available, the driving experience can differ across the range.

Government Grants and Incentives

Electric vans are expensive. As the latest innovation in automotive technology this is no surprise, with even the batteries themselves being made up of costly materials.

However, as manufacturers continue to look for innovations that will reduce these costs, electric vehicles will only become more affordable for the mass market.

As increasing measures are introduced to reduce the impact the automotive industry has upon our environment, the government are introducing ways in which to incentivise the purchase of electric vehicles.

The government Plug-in Vehicle Grant (PIVG) allows 20% off the purchase price of new electric vans, to a maximum of £5,000. Even selected hybrids are also eligible for the PIVG.

With government incentives such as this making EVs competitive at list price, going Electric is only getting easier.

So, why go Electric?

Electric Vehicle technology is improving all the time, and with government incentives reducing the upfront cost, EVs are more accessible and affordable than ever.

Driving in a city? Forget Clean Air Zone charges – if your business requires city driving then being certain you won’t incur any unexpected charges is priceless.

Fuel costs will be a thing of the past, with electric vehicle charging costing less per mile than the best performing petrol or diesel vans.

Follow Amazon’s lead – the online retail giant has commissioned over 100,000 electric delivery vans, some of which are already on the roads. Want to promote how environmentally conscious your business is? Electric vans can take you a step closer towards proving your green credentials.

Electric Van Leasing Deals from Global Vans

At Global Vans, we like to move with the times and stay ahead of the curve – as the first in the UK to bring you the 100% electric Citroën ë-Dispatch, we’ve done our homework where electric vehicles are concerned. Check out our specials page for our latest electric van leasing deals.

Looking for more information, or wondering if leasing an electric van is affordable for you? Contact us and speak to one of our van specialists, or call us directly on 01179625314.