Electric vans lagging behind electric cars
New research has revealed the reasons behind UK fleets delaying the adoption of electric vans.
The results of the study commissioned by Europcar have been published in a new white paper, ‘Van electrification: Understanding barriers, identifying solutions’.
It found that 61% of respondents already operate at least one electric van, but they admitted that real-world challenges persist around range and charging infrastructure.
Nearly half (45%) said a lack of range limited their practical use, while a third (33%) said existing charging stations were unsuitable for vans.
Of those who do not have electric vans, 38% said they were not fit for purpose with 46% citing a lack of range and 15% pointing to high upfront costs.
Range anxiety
Keith Shorter, director at Europcar Vans and Trucks, said: “Vans are lagging behind cars when it comes to electrification. One reason for this is the demands that their size and weight put on battery range, making progress to longer range vehicle options much slower for vans than cars.
“Our research confirmed that range anxiety is holding back a considerable proportion of would-be electric fleets. However, cost, charging infrastructure and lack of knowledge also play a part.”
Incentives
He called on the government to back the electrification of UK fleets with more support packages and campaigns to raise awareness about the variety of models on the market.
Shorter concluded:
“We need the government to continue offering financial incentives, to see that improvements are made to ensure the existing and future charging infrastructure is suitable for vans and that amendments are made regarding regulations that impact electric vans.”
