Why SME Van Fleets Should Go EV

• Drive to turn commercial van fleets electric

• The big brands already going EV

• Consumer pressure wants change

• Run-down of all the electric vans on the market – plus links to leasing rentals

• Authors Hugh Poulter & John Kendall

THE inexorable shift to the electrification of fleets is gathering pace from many directions.

Looking across a wide gambit of industry sectors, including investors, component and vehicle manufacturers, city councils to large distribution networks, the flow is turning into a torrent.

Inevitably the change will start with larger fleets but a combination of pressures and incentives gradually will shift most businesses into electric. Pressure from consumers, legislation, tax and marketing will be pushing while tax and accountancy incentives, increasing value from economies of scale and advances in technology and availability will be pulling. This combination of forces will prove irresistible across businesses of all sizes.

While the direction of travel is clear, the speed is not. While there is an acceptance across most businesses that they should prepare for fleets with electric vehicles (EVs) and fleets without ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles, in the short term the pace of transition will be complex especially for smaller businesses, and differs for each company according to its circumstances.

So what, actually, is going on? And how can your small van fleet think about going electric?

Arrival: Electric Van Start Up

The advance guard, in the form of market capitalisation, is occurring all over the world. In the USA, one of the world’s largest investors, Blackrock, has ploughed $118 million (£86 million) into the electric van group Arrival – named number 1 startup by LinkedIn.

Why would Blackrock do that with a firm that most of us are still unfamiliar?

Denis Sverdlov, Arrival’s Founder and Chief Executive, estimates an 8 million strong commercial and passenger fleet market in the US by 2030. “This investment is a reflection of the significant market opportunity for electric vehicles, particularly in the commercial segment,” he said.

But there’s more to the story.

Arrival’s South Carolina site is expected to open in the second quarter of 2021 and is aiming to produce vehicles by the end of the year. The company has yet to reveal its final product line-up but this has not stopped international delivery group UPS purchasing 10,000 vans with the option to buy another 10,000.

Meanwhile, at that start of 2020, Korean car maker Hyundai/Kia jointly invested €100 million in the UK-based EV company.

UK SME Fleet Owners Accept Move To EVs

In the UK there has been a definitive shift in attitudes. The Arval Mobility Observatory Fleet Barometer 2020, reported a ‘dramatic shift’ to electric power will soon be underway for UK businesses operating vans.

With more than 150 interviews conducted with companies employing fewer than 99 staff running fleet vehicles, 43% of respondents reported already operating full EVs or planning to do so within the next three years. The top three reasons for this were the environment, finance and company image.

Even though price parity between ICE vehicles and EVs has not yet been achieved, this is changing. In the longer term it is expected that EVs will be beneficial to businesses. But working out a timetable to change requires a lot of operational planning and significant investment in infrastructure.

Shaun Sadlier, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said:

“Even more so than their car counterparts, van fleets wanting to adopt low or zero emission vehicles have been hampered by both a lack of models and limited supply. This can be seen in the wide gap between the current adoption rate and that to which they aspire.

“But this situation is changing rapidly, so with a much wider range of electric and plug-in hybrid vans arriving on the market, we expect to see a dramatic shift. In some respects, these new vans are arguably less popular than electric and hybrid cars because their ranges tend to be limited and are also affected by the weight of the payload carried – but there is undeniably a high level of interest from fleets, as our research very firmly indicates.

“Even more so than with cars, vans are both business tools and mobile billboards for their operators, so maintaining access to cities adopting stricter air quality measures and being seen to operate more environmentally friendly vehicles have definite benefits for fleets that make the switch.”

Amazon Leads The Charge

At the forefront of the electrification of light commercial vehicles in Europe and the UK is Amazon. In 2020 Amazon placed an order for 100,000 electric vans from another start-up, the US-based Rivian. Amazon’s new electric delivery vehicles will begin delivering packages to customers in 2021. The company plans to have 10,000 of the vehicles on the road as early as 2022 and all 100,000 vehicles on the road by 2030—saving millions of metric tons of carbon per year by 2030.

“We’re trying to build the most sustainable transportation fleet in the world,” said Ross Rachey, Director of Amazon’s Global Fleet and Products. “It also needs to be the most functional, the highest performing, the safest.”

Amazon recently announced that it is adding more than 1,800 electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Vans to its delivery fleet in Europe this year.

The order is a milestone for Mercedes-Benz Vans, as it is the largest order of electric vehicles for the manufacturer to date, and makes Amazon its largest sustainable transportation partner worldwide. More than 1,200 EVs in the order will be Mercedes’s newest electric van entrant, the eSprinter, a larger model than the manufacturer’s first zero-emission vehicle, the eVito.

The surge in home deliveries driven by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns has resulted in an unprecedented growth in fleets for supermarkets and logistics businesses. DPD, for example, recruited 3,500 new drivers and expanded its fleet of electric vans from 130 at the start of 2020 to more than 700 by year-end. More than 10% of its van fleet is now electric.

The company will also be trialling the world’s first 16-tonne electric truck, the Volta Zero in early 2021. It is working with Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV) to develop a new lightweight zero-emissions delivery vehicle and is partaking in trials of the new LEVC VN5 and Vauxhall e-Vivaro electric vans.

Tesco, with home grocery orders climbing to 1.5 million a week, announced its ambition to operate fully-electric fleets by 2028 and hit net zero emissions in the UK as a company by 2035. Waitrose and John Lewis announced plans to end the use of fossil fuels in their fleets by 2030. It is aiming to achieve this through adoption of electric delivery vans with trials beginning soon this year along with the development of a biomethane gas filling station for its HGV fleet.

While UK Fleets Begin London Electric Vehicle Company Trials

In the UK the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has joined forces with construction company Kier Group to take delivery of a prototype of its new electric van, VN5, for use in real-world testing.

LEVC is deploying a fleet of its TX Taxi model but with a full interior van conversion for a range of trials with 25 business partners ahead of the official VN5 van launch later this year.

The VN5 cargo capacity easily accommodates two Euro sized pallets with a gross payload of up to 830kg. It has been built with a large side-loading door (enabling a pallet to be side-loaded) and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for the driver.

Based on the same architecture and proven eCity range-extender technology as LEVC’s TX electric taxi, VN5 offers the same electric powertrain with a pure EV range of 61 miles (98 km) and a total flexible range of over 300 miles (484 km).  Like the TX Taxi, VN5 is equipped with a class-leading turning circle of just 10.1m for unrivalled mobility in busy city environments.

Consumer Pressure Is Driving Change

Even small businesses should not underestimate consumer pressure driving the adoption of EVs.

Late last year Ford commissioned the survey of 1,000 people across the UK and Germany to better understand consumer attitudes towards electrification. More than half (58%) said they would prefer their delivery service used an electric-powered vehicle, and 49% would be prepared to wait longer for greener deliveries. The number of shoppers who would be prepared to pay extra for more energy-efficient deliveries was fewer – but still totalled 28%.

With an estimated 32 million vans on Europe and the UK’s roads, Ford has already begun introducing electrified versions of its best-selling vans for businesses – part of its more than $11.5 billion (£8.4 billion) commitment to electrifying the company’s vehicle range.  Sky has recently added 151 Ford Transit Custom PHEVs to its fleet, funded through leasing company Arval.

The recently announced Ford E-Transit van is a step change for urban delivery vans. It offers the same cargo space as existing diesel Transits and a targeted range of up to 217 miles.

Van Owners Missing Tax Incentives

Tax incentives that are a major influence on driving the adoption of electric company cars have yet to become a driving force in the light commercial vehicle sector, according to the Association of Fleet Operators (AFP).

The Association says the new zero per cent benefit-in-kind rate for electric vans that takes effect on 6th April  this year has been under publicised.

AFP Chair, Paul Hollick, said a key element of success in boosting demand for electric cars over the past year has been the low level of taxation, and that something similar needs to happen in the light commercial vehicle sector.

“We’ve seen in the EV market how the 0% tax rate has been decisive when it comes to driving company car driver interest and, as it has become more widely known, demand for electric cars has increased exponentially.

“While eLCV drivers have a much reduced say over what they drive compared to company cars, there is certainly potential for a similar effect. We are now in a position where a choice of electric vans are coming onto the market to meet a wide range of needs and for which the whole life costs look competitive, based on initial figures. What we need now is greater awareness.”

One of the obstacles to moving to electric was the influence of purchase price compared with whole life costs. This disadvantages EVs, which cost more to buy but this is offset by lower fuel and maintenance costs.

AFP is helping members to measure their vehicle running costs on a simple whole life cost, pence per mile basis rather than looking at the capital cost.

Why Should Small Fleets Change To Electric Vans?

So the overriding question is: are there valid reasons for a small business or independent trader to move to electric?

The answer is probably more a when than an if. There is clear evidence that shifting to electric can benefit a business and these benefits will become increasingly significant as we move closer to 2030.

Already there are cost benefits to businesses located in urban areas concentrating on short journeys. Less so to a business that requires longer distance travel, simply because the charging infrastructure is still in an early development stage. However, this will change quickly (see ‘The Changing Landscape of Electrification’ below).

Small businesses also need to look beyond the pounds and pence and consider other factors that are becoming increasingly important. For example how do your clients view your business and do you want to be seen as people who care about the environment? These ethical considerations may currently be seen as low priority by people struggling in a tough trading environment, but they are becoming a higher priority for consumers choosing trades people, for example.

Purely looking at costs, electric vehicles are not only cheaper to run day-to-day – there are funding and tax incentives that come with switching to 100 percent electric. Business owners who purchase electric vans will quickly notice the lower running costs they entail. The average small electric van costs around 2p per mile in charging costs, for example. Over a period of three years, average saving for a small van was £2,800 compared with a diesel equivalent.

The Government’s plug-in van grant is available to drivers who choose to become more sustainable. Previously 20% of the purchase price was available up to £8000. As announced in the 2021 Spring Budget, this has now been changed to 35% of the purchase price up to £3000 for small vans below 2.5 tonnes GVW; and 35% of the purchase price up to £6000 for vans with a GVW between 2.5t-3.5t.

The eligibility criteria has also changed. Previously qualifying vans were those with CO2 emissions below 75g/km with the ability to travel at least 10 miles in zero emission mode; or if an electric van, must have a range of 60 miles. To qualify now, vans must have CO2 emissions of 60g/km or less and must be able to travel a minimum of 60 miles with zero emissions.

This makes the on-the-road cost close to ICE equivalents. Electric vans are also exempt from vehicle excise duty (VED), bringing a further £750 saving over three years. The Government has recently announced that employees who choose all-electric company vehicles will pay no benefit-in-kind tax in 2020-21.

There are infrastructure charging costs to consider but business owners can reclaim 75 percent of the cost of installing up to 20 charging points (up to a maximum of £500 per socket) through the Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme.

Cities enforcing ultra low emission zones (ULEZ) and Clear Air Zones (CAZ) are becoming a significant factor for city-based businesses. Bath has just launched its own Clean Air Zone (15 March 2021), with significant grants to help SME fleet van operators with non-compliant vans.

The London ULEZ began in April 2019, and cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, and Oxford are planning similar schemes during the next two years. They levy a daily charge (£12.50 in London) for vehicles that do not meet stringent EU emissions regulations. Full electric vans are exempt as they do not emit tailpipe emissions. In London EVs are also exempt from the congestion charge.

The Changing Landscape of Electrification*

Driving Range

Battery technology is progressing rapidly. Already some cars are capable of over 300 miles on a charge and that distance is likely to grown as new technology allows. The larger weight, size and payload of vans means that they require larger batteries to offer a comparable range. Therefore, van ranges are likely to remain slightly below those of cars.

Infrastructure Availability

Provision of charging infrastructure is key to enabling the high uptake of EVs across the UK.  Analysis by Transport and Environment found that the UK would require 370,000-500,000 public chargers by 2030. See: Government Charges Into EV Public Infrastructure Upgrades.

Purchase Costs

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are projected to reach upfront cost parity with ICE vans around 2030 and will be around £1,400 cheaper by 2040. By contrast, a medium-sized PHEV will be around £300 more expensive to purchase in 2030, will offer zero maintenance savings and gives lifetime fuel savings of only £300 (£2,400 in cash terms including taxes).

Maintenance

Electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars or vans, meaning that they will typically have lower servicing and maintenance costs. For a typical medium-sized car, annual savings of £170 are estimated.

Fuel Costs

BEVs can offer significant annual fuel cost savings. Over the assumed 14-year lifetime of the vehicle, a typical medium-sized BEV will save almost £1,000 in fuel costs (£750 in discounted terms), excluding fuel duty and the impact of carbon emissions. If taxes are included, then the cash value of the saving to the owner increases to around £6,700 (£2,200 over the first five years of ownership).

Incentives And Taxation

During the 2020s, a differential between ICEs and EVs from subsidies, benefits-in-kind and taxes remains (reducing from 2020). Over time, it is expected that this gradient will shift from EV subsidy to ICE taxation.

Vehicle Sales

BEVs are forecast to make up the majority of new car and van sales by 2030, as petrol and diesel only engines will be banned from that date. BEV ranges will increase, and battery cost will reduce from around £121/kWh today to £48/kWh by 2030 and £44/kWh by 2040. As a result, BEVs are expected to make up 48% of all new sales in 2025, 97% in 2030 and 100% from 2032 onwards.

Percentage of fleet

New BEV sales will take time to feed through to the fleet as the average car remains in use for around 14 years. In our analysis, BEVs will comprise 27-37% of the car and van fleet in 2030, rising to 56-67% by 2035 and 81-88% by 2040.

 * Source: Climate Change Committee; The Sixth Carbon Budget

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The Electric Vans You Can Lease in 2021

John Kendall examines the electric light commercial vehicles on the market this year, produced in association with leasing provider, Intelligent Van Leasing.

While there seems to be a ceaseless flow of new electric car models, progress is a bit slower where light commercial vehicles are concerned and with good reason. Vans are business tools and those who operate them have specific requirements. This may involve fitting the vehicles out with specific equipment, meaning the price of the vehicle on the road will be notably greater than the basic price of the van. Electric vans tend to cost notably more, although some models are more price competitive than others. Then there is weight. Batteries are heavy and greater vehicle weight means reduced payload.

The Government granted concessions for van drivers, with specific conditions, three years ago to allow for the additional weight of batteries in an electric van to help offset the weight penalty. This means that the highest gross weight that drivers with a B category licence could drive would be 4,250kg instead of 3,500kg, therefore avoiding the need for an HGV licence for most.

Drivers in London will be contending with an expanded Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) from October this year (2021), which could ramp up demand for electric vans, as the Mayor of London tries to improve air quality in the capital.

What is currently available on the electric van market and what can you expect to see before too long? We take a look at both the available Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models and all-electric van models. All prices quoted are after the Plug-In Van Grant (PiVG) has been applied.

Citroën ë-Dispatch

 Price: From £25,053 (After PiVG)

Electric range: 143/205 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 100kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: 2,840 – 3,090kg

Payload: up to 1,226kg

Load volume: 4.6, 5.3, or 6.1m3

Citroën launched the ë-Dispatch, alongside its Stellantis stablemates the Peugeot e-Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro-e, a few months ago, introducing a battery electric variant of the model launched in 2016. Citroën offers the ë-Dispatch in all three lengths of the van XS, M and XL and with two battery sizes, both mounted under the load floor. XS and M variants are available with a 50kWh battery giving a range of 143 miles  while M and XL versions are available with a 75kWh battery giving a range of 205 miles. Batteries carry a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles. Power comes from a 100kW (136hp) electric motor.

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Citroën ë-Berlingo

Price: TBA

Electric range: 171 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 100kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: TBA

Payload: up to 800kg

Load volume: Up to 4.4m3

Scheduled to arrive in showrooms at the end of this year, customers will be able to order ë-Berlingo from spring 2021. The model is expected to offer a range of up to 171 miles from the 50kWh battery pack, mounted under the load floor. Further information will be available closer to launch.

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Citroën e-Relay

Price: £TBA

Electric range: TBA

Charge options: TBA

GVW: 3,500kg

Payload: TBA

Load volume: 8, 10, 11.5 or 13m3

Previewed at the CV Show in 2019, Relay was originally scheduled to appear in Spring 2020 in the UK, based on a conversion of the Relay panel van by partner BD Auto. The model is now scheduled for launch in April 2021. Two battery options will be available. L1 and L2 models will offer a shorter range than the longer wheelbase L3 and L4 models, which can accommodate larger under-floor battery packs. Further information will be available closer to launch.

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Fiat E-Ducato

Price: From £47,675

Electric range: 78/148 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 22/50kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: 3,500kg

Payload: Up to 1,950kg

Load volume: 10 – 17m3

The E-Ducato was previewed in summer 2019 and arrived on the UK market in summer 2020. E-Ducato is available with two battery options: 47kWh and 79kWh, providing a range of either 78 miles or 148 miles. The drive motor is rated at 90kW (121hp) with maximum torque of 280Nm. Top speed is limited to 62mph to maximise range. All Ducato van body styles are available, including three van lengths with two roof heights as well as three chassis cab lengths. Passenger variants are also available. Trim options are Standard and Tecnico. Drivers can choose between “Normal”, “Eco” and “Power” driving modes.

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Ford Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid

Price: From £46,765 (ex-VAT)

Electric range: 25.9 miles (WLTP zero-emissions)

Charge options: Domestic socket or 7.2kW wall box charger.

GVW: 3,400kg

Payload: Up to 1,000kg gross

Load volume: 6.8m3

Transit Custom PHEV is just one of two hybrid-powered vans on the market in 2021. Power comes from Ford’s 1.0-litre Eco-boost petrol engine, which supplements the 35-mile battery electric range. Ford claims 104.6mpg with 60g/km CO2 emissions (NEDC). The van is available in a single length with low roof (L1H1) and a kombi passenger carrying version is also available. Options include a geofencing module which will automatically switch to electric drive when entering a low emissions zone (LEZ). Ford claims charging will take 4.3 hours from a domestic socket or 2.7 hours from a 7.2kW Wallbox charger. Drivers can choose from four EV modes and select the degree of energy recovery/braking assistance required.

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Ford E-Transit

Price: £TBA

Electric range: 217 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 115kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: 3,500kg, 3,900kg, 4,250kg.

Payload: 1,616kg – 1,967kg (depending on bodywork)

Load volume: Up to 15.1m3

Ford recently revealed the E-Transit, designed to offer a range of up to 217 miles from its 67kWh underfloor battery pack, but customers will have to wait until spring 2022 before the model makes an appearance. E-Transit will be fitted with the FordPass Connect modem as standard, which the company says will help customers to easily find and pay for charging while on the move and will provide over-the-air updates for satellite navigation and other features. The van will be available with Pro Power Onboard, which will provide a 2.3kW capacity power supply for tools and to re-charge tool power packs. E-Transit will be available with 25 body configurations, including van bodies of different sizes, double-cab in van and chassis-cab.

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LEVC VN5

Price: From £38,500 (after PiVG, ex-VAT)

Electric range: 58 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 22/50kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox, 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: 2900kg

Payload: 830kg

Load volume: 5.5m3

The London Electric Vehicle Company’s (LEVC) VN5 van, built at the company’s production plant in Coventry, was launched in late 2020. It is based on the company’s TX taxi, giving the VN5 the same 10.1m turning circle as the taxi and uses the same plug-in hybrid driveline. This is comprised of a 110kW electric drive motor with 31kWh battery pack. Range can be extended by the turbocharged three cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine. Business, City and Ultima variants are on offer, providing a range of standard equipment. Features include two-stage regenerative braking. VN5 uses lightweight construction combining a bonded aluminium monocoque and sheet moulded compound (SMC) body panels. The battery carries an eight-year/150,000 mile warranty.

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MAN e TGE

Price: £55,000 (before PiVG)

Electric range: 68-71.5 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: Up to 40kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox, 7.2kW Wallbox.

GVW: 3,500kg

Payload: Up to 975kg

Load volume: Up to 10.7m3

The electric version of the MAN TGE shares its basic architecture with the VW Crafter heavy van. Electric versions of both models are only built in left-hand-drive. MAN has chosen to import them and convert them to right-hand-drive here, while VW Commercial Vehicles has opted not to import the electric Crafter. The 36kWh underfloor battery carries a warranty of eight years/100,000 miles. eTGE is powered by a 100kW electric motor, delivering 290Nm of torque. MAN offers a single body size for the e TGE. Standard equipment includes a heated windscreen, navigation system and a rear-view camera.

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Maxus E Deliver 3

Price: £31,043 (after PiVG)

Electric range: 120 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: Public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: 2,310kg (35kWh), 2,460kg (52.5kWh).

Payload: 885kg, 1,000kg

Load volume: 5.0m3 and 6.3m3

The Chinese van manufacturer formerly known as LDV was re-branded as Maxus from April 2020. The E Deliver 3 was launched at the end of 2020 and is effectively a re-branded LDV EV 30, a smaller model than the E Deliver 9, offering 5.0 or 6.3m3 load volume and 855kg or 1,000kg payload options. Range is quoted as 120 miles. Short and long wheelbase variants are available and both are offered with a choice of 35kWh or 52.5kWh battery pack. Two driving modes and three energy recovery modes are included as standard. Driving power is provided by a 90kW motor, producing 250Nm of torque.

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Maxus E Deliver 9

Price: £55,000 (ex-VAT)

Electric range: Up to 185 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: Public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: 3,500kg, 4,050kg.

Payload: up to 1,200kg

Load volume: 9.7m3 and 11.0m3

Maxus’ Transit competitor, the Deliver 9, was launched last year and hot on the heels of the E Deliver 3 launch at the end of 2020, the E Deliver 9 arrived in dealers in January. E Deliver 9 is powered by a 203hp electric motor and is available with three battery options; 51.5kWh, 72kWh and 88.55kWh. Top speed is limited to 62mph to help maximise range. The highest capacity battery is only available with the longer wheelbase versions. E Deliver 9 is available in two van lengths and one roof height as well as two chassis cab lengths.

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Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz current electric range includes its two larger vans  – eVito and eSprinter. The smaller eCitan is due to join the range, but no launch date has been given yet.

Mercedes-Benz eVito

Price: From £40, 895 (ex-VAT)

Electric range: 92 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 7.2kW Wallbox, 230v domestic socket.

GVW: 3,200kg

Payload: 898kg/923kg

Load volume: 6.0/6.6m3

The Mercedes-Benz eVito was launched in 2020 and revised at the end of the year. The model is available in two lengths (L2 and L3) with a single roof height for both lengths. Two trim levels are available: Progressive and Plus. Power is stored in a 35kWh battery pack, which carries an eight year/62,000 mile warranty. The battery cannot be rapid charged from a public rapid charger, it can only be charged from a domestic Wallbox or 230v socket. The drive motor is rated at 85kW (114hp). eVito features four energy recovery modes. As standard, eVito is supplied with a 50mph speed limiter.

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Mercedes-Benz E Sprinter

Price: From £51, 950 (ex-VAT)

Electric range: 96 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 20kW or 80kW public rapid charging, 7.2kW Wallbox.

GVW: 3,500kg

Payload: 774kg

Load volume: 11.0m3

E-Sprinter was launched in summer 2020, based on the Sprinter L2H2 front-wheel-drive variant in Progressive specification. Buyers can choose between two rapid charge options, with either 20kW or 80kW, meaning it can be charged from a public rapid charging point in either 120 minutes or 30 minutes respectively. Regeneration levels can be changed using the gearshift paddles. Mercedes includes its PRO Connect fleet management package free for two years. The battery carries an eight-year/100,000 miles warranty. Standard equipment includes a heated driver’s seat, air conditioning, 75mph speed limiter and DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity.

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Nissan e-NV200

Price: From £20,005 (ex-VAT)

Electric range: Up to 124 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 50kW Public rapid charger (optional), 7.4kW Wallbox, 230-volt domestic socket.

GVW: 2,220kg

Payload: 705kg

Load volume: 4.2m3

Nissan’s e-NV200 was launched in 2014 and upgraded in 2018. Even though it is one of the smaller electric vans on the market, the load area will accommodate two Europallets, like many other vans of similar size. Available equipment includes a colour reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated navigation system. The NissanConnect EV app enables vehicle owners to track and log reports from drivers, check battery charge level and also start battery charging remotely and programme the vehicle’s climate control system remotely.  E-NV200 offers four driving modes. The battery carries an eight year/100,000 mile warranty.

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Peugeot e-Boxer

Price: £TBA

Electric range: 141/169 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: TBA

GVW: 3,500kg

Payload: TBA

Load volume: 8, 10, 11.5 or 13m3

The Boxer is now expected in April 2021, with the electric conversion carried out by partner BD Auto. Like the Citroën Relay Electric, two battery options will be available. L1 and L2 models will offer a shorter range than the longer wheelbase L3 and L4 models, which can accommodate larger under-floor battery packs. Further details will be available closer to launch.

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Peugeot e-Expert

Price: From £25,053 (After PiVG)

Electric range: 143/205 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 100kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: 2,840 – 3,090kg

Payload: up to 1,226kg

Load volume: 4.6, 5.3, or 6.1m3

Peugeot launched the e-Expert at the same time as its Stellantis cousins the Citroën ë-Dispatch, and Vauxhall Vivaro-e, a few months ago, adding a battery electric variant of the model originally launched in 2016. The e-Expert is available in the same three lengths as the conventionally powered model – Compact, Standard and Long and with two battery sizes, both mounted under the load floor. Compact and Standard models are available with a 50kWh battery, enabling a range of 143 miles while Standard and Long versions are available with a 75kWh battery option giving a range of 205 miles. The batteries are guaranteed for eight years or 100,000 miles. Power comes from a 100kW (136hp) electric motor. Crew and panel van versions are available.

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Peugeot e-Partner

Price: TBA

Electric range: 171 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 100kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: TBA

Payload: up to 800kg

Load volume: Up to 4.4m3

Scheduled to arrive in showrooms at the end of this year, customers will be able to order the e-Partner in the next few months. The model is expected to offer a range of up to 171 miles from the 50kWh battery pack, mounted under the load floor. Partner will offer three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Power as well as two regenerative braking modes. The model will generate an audible warning signal at speeds up to 18mph to warn pedestrians.

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Renault Kangoo ZE 33

Price: From £24,450 (ex-VAT)

Electric range: 143 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: Domestic socket, 7.4kW Wallbox

Payload: 605kg – 640kg

Load volume: 3.0, 3.4, 3.6, 4.0, or 4.6m3

The first mass-produced electric van to reach the market in 2011, the Kangoo ZE is one of the smaller electric vans on the market, offered as a panel van in Standard and Maxi body lengths as well as a five-seat crew van. Originally available only with leased batteries, Renault also offers the batteries as part of the purchase price. Kangoo ZE is equipped with a 33kWh battery pack and 44kW drive motor. A new Kangoo is due to be launched this year and a ZE all electric model will be included in the range. It is not yet clear when the new model will be launched.

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Renault Master ZE

Price: From £57,040 (ex-VAT)

Electric range: 75 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: Domestic socket, Wallbox

GVW: 3,100kg, 3,500kg

Payload: 925kg – 1,078kg (1,350/1,370kg platform cab)

Load volume: 8.0, 9.0, 10.8, or 13.0m3

Master ZE is available as a panel van in three lengths as well as a platform cab in two lengths, so is available as the basis for a range of bodywork conversions. Renault says that it can be re-charged fully in six hours, using a 32A/7.4kW WallBox. Top speed is limited to 62mph and the range can be extended using Eco Mode, which limits performance by slowing acceleration and reducing top speed to 50mph, adequate for many urban operations. Renault offers a number of connected services to help smooth operation and fleet management.

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Renault Trucks: Renault Master ZE

Master ZE is also sold through Volvo Trucks subsidiary Renault Trucks, which may suit the needs of customers used to working with truck dealers. Renault Trucks offers the model in four panel van lengths and as a platform cab in two lengths. Renault Trucks claims that it can be re-charged fully in six hours, using a 7.4kW WallBox. Top speed is limited to 62mph and the range can be extended using Eco Mode, which limits performance by slowing acceleration and reducing top speed to 50mph, adequate for many urban operations. A reversing camera and reversing sensors are included as standard equipment.

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Toyota Proace Electric

Price: From £TBA

Electric range: 143/205 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 100kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: 2,840 – 3,090kg

Payload: up to 1,226kg

Load volume: 4.6, 5.3, or 6.1m3

Proace Electric is based on the same vehicle as the Citroën ë-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro-e, launched a few months ago. The Toyota variant is expected to be available from spring 2021.

Full details will be available soon but expect the Proace Electric to be available in all three lengths of the van – Compact, Medium and Long and with two battery sizes, both mounted under the load floor. It seems likely that Toyota will follow the other brands and make Compact and Medium variants available with a 50kWh battery giving a range of 143 miles while Medium and Long versions are expected to be available with a 75kWh battery giving a range of 205 miles. Power comes from a 100kW (136hp) electric motor. Proace is available with Active, Icon and Design trim options.

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Vauxhall Combo-e

Price: TBA

Electric range: 171 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 100kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: TBA

Payload: up to 800kg

Load volume: Up to 4.4m3

Like the Peugeot e-Partner and Citroën ë-Berlingo, Combo-e is due for launch later this year. Combo-e will be available in L1H1 and L2H1 sizes and there will be crew van variants as well. A 50kWh battery will be mounted under the load floor, providing a range of up to 171 miles. The battery is guaranteed for eight years or 100,000 miles. Power comes from a 100kW (136hp) electric motor producing 260Nm of torque. Regenerative braking can be maximised by selecting “B” mode. All Combo-e variants come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

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Vauxhall Vivaro-e

Price: From £25,053 (After PiVG)

Electric range: 143/205 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 100kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.4kW Wallbox.

GVW: 2,840 – 3,090kg

Payload: up to 1,226kg

Load volume: 4.6, 5.3, or 6.1m3

Vauxhall launched the Vivaro-e last year. Like the Peugeot e-Expert and Citroën ë-Dispatch, Vivaro-e is based on the PSA EMP2 platform. The Vivaro-e is available in the same three lengths as the conventionally powered model and with two battery sizes. Batteries are mounted under the load floor. Compact and standard models are available with a 50kWh battery, enabling a range of 143 miles while Standard and Long versions are available with a 75kWh battery option giving a range of 205 miles. The batteries are guaranteed for eight years or 100,000 miles. Power comes from a 100kW (136hp) electric motor. Crew and panel van versions are available.

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VW ABT eTransporter 6.1

Price: From £42,060 (ex-VAT)

Electric range: 82 miles (WLTP combined)

Charge options: 50kW public rapid charging, 11kW Wallbox and 7.2kW Wallbox.

GVW: 3,200kg

Payload: 962-996kg

Load volume: Up to 6.7m3

The latest Transporter is a model moving towards the end of its lifecycle and the interest in electric vans has prompted VW to produce an electric variant. For this, the company has turned to long-term partner for project work ABT to produce an electric conversion. It is based on the long wheelbase variant of the Transporter diesel automatic, using many components shared with the e-Golf electric car. Both panel van and crew van variants are available and two trim levels are offered. The underfloor batteries carry an eight-year/100,000 mile warranty. Servicing is required annually or every 24,900 miles.

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