Electric Vans And Their Payloads

Just like diesel vans, electric vans have maximum payload regulations. Electric van payloads are similar to those of diesel vans, however, they’re not strictly the same. These maximum payload regulations apply to electric vans in the same way they do to diesel vans: the maximum payload must not be exceeded for safety reasons.

Electric Van Payloads Explained

Generally, the added weight of an electric van tech isn’t an issue for smaller vans. However, for larger vans, it can be more of an issue. An unloaded electric van typically weighs slightly more than an unloaded diesel van, due to the weight and presence of the battery packs in an electric van. This means that an electric van’s maximum payload is generally less than an equivalent diesel model’s.

The legal maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a standard UK driving license is 3.5 tonnes. The majority of large vans already use all of this allowance, right down to the last kilogram. As electric vans weigh more than vehicles powered by a diesel engine, they generally have less capacity for payload and the number of items they can legally carry within the 3.5 tonnes limit is less.

Adding weight to any van – electric or diesel – will have a negative effect on energy consumption, so it’s important not to be put off by payloads. Just because a van runs on electricity, it doesn’t mean it’s any poorer at carrying big loads. The extra weight may result in a reduction in range, which means you’ll need more power to get moving. This can shorten the range of your van, making it more suitable for short trips and meaning it may require charging more often.