The Shift from Diesel Vans to Electric Vans 

The shift from diesel vans to electric vans in the UK market is slow, despite various government incentives and the expanding clean air zones with their associated charges. Several MAXUS fleet clients are, however, increasing their electric fleets strategically.  
At MAXUS, we offer commercial diesel and electric vans to our clients. Our electric van conversions include sliding sides, chill boxes, open back, drop sides, and king tillers. Did you know MAXUS can convert the vans with wheelchair lifts for taxis, welfare vehicles, and ambulances? We discuss the key performance and efficiency differences between EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) vans, do a cost comparison, and highlight the environmental impact of going electric.

Electric Vans vs Diesel: Performance and Efficiency Differences

One of the surprising differences between EVs and diesel vehicles is that electric vehicles accelerate fast, as they have large amounts of instant torque. Their low centre of gravity, due to the placement of the battery, provides for better handling. Range anxiety is a reality as drivers are concerned about sufficient recharging stations on their route while there are enough petrol stations.    

EVs don’t have an exhaust, which is one of the reasons for the description ‘zero emissions at the tailpipe’. Regenerative braking is another feature that makes commercial electric vans stand out above their diesel counterparts. When you drive an electric van, it returns energy to the battery every time you brake, increasing the vehicle’s efficiency.

Diesel vs Electric Vans Cost Comparison: Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Savings

The initial cost of converting to an electric van should not be the deciding factor but the vehicle’s total cost of ownership (TCO). ICE vehicles have more than two thousand moving parts, and electric vehicles have approximately twenty, making them less expensive to maintain. Fleet managers can recharge vans during off-peak hours as a cost-saving measure, and solar installations will decrease the ultimate recharging costs. 
EVs are depreciating more slowly than diesel vans, and although insurance for electric vans is high compared to diesel vans, the cost will decrease as the EV market grows. The MAXUS Intelligence Onboard system contributes to long-term savings, as it provides basic reports on electric van charge time, range, and cost in real-time, making it easier to manage the fleet’s expenses.  

Environmental Impact: Reducing Your Fleet’s Carbon Footprint with Electric Vans

The UK Department Energy Security & Net Zero states that the domestic transport sector accounts for 29.1% of all territorial greenhouse gas emissions. They further state that almost all the emissions are from carbon dioxide, and the main source is the use of petrol and diesel road vehicles. 
Electric vans generate zero emissions while driving, creating cleaner towns and cities for everyone. The MAXUS eDELIVER 3, eDELIVER 5, eDELIVER 7, and eDELIVER 9 commercial vans, together with our electric pick-up and multi-purpose passenger vehicles, provide cost-efficient alternatives to fossil fuel vehicles. Convert your fleet to commercial electric vans and reduce your environmental impact by going green.

Making the Right Choice for Your Fleet With Electric Vans 

Make the right choice for your business fleet by converting it to commercial electric vans. EVs are safe, and our MAXUS eDELIVER 5 electric van achieved a prestigious Platinum rating in the latest Euro NCAP Commercial Van ratings, with an overall score of 82%. Our eDELIVER 7, eDELIVER 9, and DELIVER 9 vans earned Gold ratings. 

If you are not ready for an electric fleet and want another alternative, we have what you need. The MAXUS diesel commercial van range is now 100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel-compliant. Reduce your company’s impact on the environment by immediately lowering the carbon emissions of your fleet by up to 90%. Reduce your business footprint with MAXUS commercial vans.    
MAXUS offers care you can trust. Our electric commercial vans are available from more than sixty dealers across the UK, and our roadside assistance service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We use only original parts when we service commercial vans. Contact MAXUS today to discuss the diesel or electric vans your business needs.