The True Cost of Owning a Commercial Electric Van 

The cost of an electric van can feel high for a first-time purchaser, whether you are a small business owner with two fleet vehicles or manage a large fleet and realise how many vans you must replace to comply with the Government’s 2035 zero emissions tailpipe mandate. There are several positives when you choose to buy a commercial electric van. You never have to pay the daily charge in a zero or low-emissions zone and you contribute to a healthier living environment. 

Initial Purchase Price of Electric Vans 

The true cost of owning a commercial electric van is not defined by its initial purchase price. You also cannot use the traditional approach to the total cost of ownership (TCO) utilised for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Business owners initially pay more for an electric van, but it has far fewer engine parts than an ICE vehicle, significantly lowering service costs. You never have to pay for an oil filter or new exhaust again. 

What about your electricity bill? It will increase but should be compared to what your fuel expenses were for your ICE vans. Consider installing a renewable energy source at your business to lower the energy costs incurred. Did you know commercial electric vans such as the Maxus eDeliver 3 and eDeliver 9 use regenerative braking? It is a recovery mechanism that feeds energy back into the battery every time you brake, increasing your van’s range.

Government Incentives for Electric Vehicles

In 2022, government incentives for electric cars were stopped. The UK government continues to provide a plug-in van and truck grant until 31 March 2025, and you don’t have to apply for the grant when buying an eligible electric van. The seller includes the relevant discount in the purchase price. 

Maxus is proud to have six eDeliver models on the list of eligible vehicles. Our Maxus eDeliver 3 (short wheelbase variants) is eligible in the small van category, and several of our eDeliver 3 and eDeliver 9 models can be purchased for the large van category. We even have our Maxus T90 electric pick-up vehicle on the list!    

 Electric Van Charging Costs

Business owners will factor the electric van charging cost into their expenses, whether charged at the business premises or overnight at someone’s home. High energy prices are impacting the cost of recharging fleet vans on the public recharging network according to Zapmap, which tracks more than one million charge sessions each month. Use available government incentives to install charging infrastructure at your business to mitigate the public recharging expenses.     

Did you know it is easier to calculate electric van charging when you own a Maxus commercial van? The Maxus Intelligence Onboard system is available in each EV and provides live data on the vehicle’s energy consumption, how much energy is added during a charge, how much it costs in each location, and how the total energy costs compare to an ICE vehicle.  

Electric Vehicle Battery Life and Replacement Costs 

The largest and most expensive component of your commercial electric vehicle is its battery, and the battery replacement cost should be factored into your ownership expenses when making the initial electric van purchase, unless your fleet is replaced at regular intervals per company policy. Batteries last for nearly a decade, depending on their use. Maxus commercial electric vans are available with various battery options, and all our EVs come with an eight-year warranty on the high-voltage battery. 

Many factors affect the lifespan of an electric vehicle’s battery, and it is vital to select the correct battery size for your purposes to ensure you achieve the best range. Maxus eDeliver 9 vans have three battery options working with various battery cooling methods to reduce charge time, extend battery life and increase the operating range.     

Maxus electric commercial vans are perfect for fleets, and our conversion range gives you flexibility. We have a national service and repairs network, readily available parts, and offer roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Contact Maxus today to discuss the cost of your electric van.