The Pros and Cons of Electric Van Ownership
The total number of EVs – also known as Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) – on UK roads at the end of 2020 was just shy of 432,000, according to the Department for Transport. This number is only set to grow, as people turn to electric vehicles in an effort to cut down on their carbon footprint and reduce pollution on our roads.
There are certainly many benefits to owning an electric van but it might not be the best choice for everyone. If you’re considering investing in an electric van, see below for the pros and cons of electric van ownership.
Pros
You might be thinking ‘why buy an electric van’ and there are many good reasons! From lower running costs to a better impact on the environment, see below for just some of the electric van benefits.
Low running costs
Electric vans are considerably cheaper to run (compared to diesel alternatives) because the cost per mile of electricity is much lower. Some models are said to cost just 2-3p per mile to run on average!
Cheaper to maintain
Electric vehicles contain fewer moving parts and they don’t put as much pressure on the brakes. This means that they’re often cheaper to maintain compared to their diesel counterparts.
More environmentally friendly
Electric vans produce zero tailpipe emissions so they’ll help to reduce pollution in urban areas. They also reduce the amount of harmful CO2 and NOx emissions.
Incentives
There are various schemes and incentives to encourage the use of electric vehicles. These include the Government Plug-in Van Grant, which is worth up to 20% off the list price (up to a maximum of £8,000), plus reduced tax burdens for both business and private use.
Other incentives include free parking in certain areas, free charging, and exemption from Ultra Low Emission Zone charges.
Prepare for the future
It’s likely that we’ll be living with electric vans for years to come, so it makes sense to invest now and prepare for the future. Many cities are introducing low or zero-emission zones in an attempt to tackle climate change, so future-proof your operations by investing in an electric van.
Cons
Charging issues
There are currently around 20,000 charging points in the UK but you’re not always guaranteed to find one when you need it, especially in rural areas. There are only around 1,000 rapid charges too, and it can take around 7.5 hours to fully charge a vehicle using a regular charger.
Range anxiety
Electric vans have a typical range of 100 miles so they’re not the best option for longer journeys. Drivers would need to stop and recharge at several points, which can add significant downtime.
Initial cost
Electric vans might be cheaper to run, but they do tend to have a higher initial cost in comparison to traditional diesel vans. This may put them out of reach for some businesses, especially if you need a van fleet.
Thinking about investing in an electric van? Browse the latest deals from Van Sales UK. We’re proud to offer a wide range of deals on electric vans, including top brands like Ford, Nissan and Renault. For more information about our vans or to discuss finance options, don’t hesitate to give us a call today or contact us online.
