Germany loves delivery, like many other countries. We enjoy the convenience of no longer having to carry goods, food and drinks ourselves, as almost everything can now be ordered online. Delivery is then free, sometimes even within a few hours. The suppliers are all over the place. The number of vans on the roads has increased many times over in recent years. Here, environmentally friendly vehicle variants are more in demand than ever, so that the climate is not burdened even more than it already is. This is why electric vans are becoming increasingly common.
Whether Hermes, DPD or market leader DHL - parcel companies are focussing more on electric than before in order to improve their carbon footprint. The DHL Group has set itself the goal of improving its CO2 efficiency by 50 per cent by 2025. ‘We are now using over 35,000 electric vehicles for collection and delivery,’ said Group CEO Tobias Meyer at the Deutsche Post Annual General Meeting at the beginning of May. The importance of electric commercial vehicles is increasing. The distances travelled are short, so the ranges of the e-transporters are sufficient. They are charged overnight and are ready for use again the next morning.
Why the switch to electric drives is becoming increasingly important for tradespeople and suppliers.
In order to achieve climate targets, governments around the world are tightening regulations to reduce CO2 emissions, particularly in urban transport. In Europe, the economy must also adapt to the requirements. Electric vehicles fulfil the stricter requirements as they do not produce direct CO2 emissions, which is becoming increasingly important for companies to avoid fines and restrictions. But they also bring advantages for users.
What advantages do electric vans offer over diesel commercial vehicles?
Environmental friendliness: Electric lorries have the potential to be more environmentally friendly than diesel lorries after just one or two years of operation. Over their entire life cycle, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 % compared to the diesel alternative. With sustainable battery production, electric vans can even save well over 90 % of greenhouse gases compared to the diesel variant.
Maintenance costs: The maintenance costs of electric vehicles are lower, as many wearing parts are not even present or, for example, oil changes are not necessary. Service and inspection costs are surprisingly low, as we reported for the Polestar2.
Noise reduction and fewer exhaust fumes: electric vans are significantly quieter at low speeds, e.g. in city traffic. In addition, e-commercial vehicles do not produce any exhaust fumes. The days of loud rattling and smelly delivery vans parked on street corners with their engines running are therefore numbered.
Electric drives lead to significantly lower operating costs
Electric vans are already cheaper to run after just three years. A survey by the British Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) of more than 1,000 commercial van customers revealed that companies with electric vehicles are already seeing significant savings in energy costs.
To the study "The Economics of Commercial Van Usage Across Europe 2024"
The reduced operating costs proved to be the main reason for switching to electric vehicles at 46.3%: the average charging costs are €3,700 per year, while the fuel costs for petrol and/or diesel are €12,400. The analysis of the total cost of ownership showed that the higher purchase prices for e-transporters compared to conventionally powered vehicles can be amortised within a typical three-year ownership period. Further advantages: Driving in environmental zones is the second main argument in favour of switching, also at 46.3%. This is followed by the motivation to protect the environment and the brand's reputation, both at 45%.
Hans Schep, Managing Director of Ford Pro Europe, who commissioned the study, sees small companies playing a central role: ‘Florists, plumbers, bakers and countless other professions will play a key role in taking the transition to electromobility to the next level.’ For example, Ford Pro now produces or has announced an electrified version of every model in its Transit family.
Overview of the leading manufacturers of electric vans
Ford Transit
The Ford E-Transit is the first all-electric commercial vehicle from Ford, combining maximum drive efficiency with maximum performance at work. The range of up to 316 km (WLTP) is impressive. The Ford E-Transit also has clever details that make work easier: for example, external devices such as drills, saws or laptops can also be conveniently supplied with power using the on-board power supply. The purchase price of the Ford E-Transit Truck Trend 350 L2 with 68kWh battery and 135 kW (184 hp) electric motor is €62,705.80 net.
Volkswagen: The electric version of the VW Transporter
The ID.Buzz Cargo offers electric mobility in a new dimension. Visually inspired by the first Bulli, the ID. Buzz Cargo is the first all-electric van from Volkswagen with modern connectivity, digital systems and many intelligent features. The result: a powerful and sustainable commercial vehicle that masters almost all the challenges of everyday work and also stands out visually. The all-electric VW Transporter ID. Buzz Cargo is available from just €36,564 net (including bonuses and subsidies) for business customers.
Mercedes: Innovation in the e-transporter segment
Whether spacious or compact, with a particularly long range or extra payload - the vans with electric drive from Mercedes-Benz are versatile. The focus of the electric commercial vehicles is on their suitability for daily commercial use. Navigation and remote functions (Electric Intelligence) specially optimised for electric driving make everyday work easier. A popular model in the e-Transporter range is the eVito panel van. The characteristic design of the eVito panel van is impressive. The electric operation allows the sliding doors to be opened and closed at the touch of a button without the driver having to get out or the passengers having to operate the sliding door. The tailgate has a generous load compartment opening, making it easy to load and unload even bulky luggage or cargo. The interior is just like the eVito panel van itself: extremely functional, appealing and comfortable. The eVito panel van 112 long 85 kW (112 PS) with DC charging power of up to 50 kW is available at offer prices from €43,600 (excl. VAT).
Maxus: The up-and-coming manufacturer of electric vans
Maxus is already an established provider of affordable electric commercial vehicles. The Chinese manufacturer offers different models for individual needs.
The new MAXUS eDELIVER 9 sets new standards in its class. With the long range (up to 328 km combined according to WLPT) of its two available battery options, short charging times and a convincing price-performance ratio, electric mobility is finally becoming practical for light commercial vehicles too. The MAXUS eDELIVER 9 Transporter is available in the 3.5-tonne class with two vehicle lengths (L2 and L3) and two body heights (H2 and H3). The eDELIVER 9 Transporter offers an easily accessible load compartment and, depending on the body variant, a volume of up to 12.5 m3 and a maximum payload of up to 1,275 kg. The MAXUS eDELIVER 9 is equipped with a powerful electric motor with a maximum output of 150 kW (204 hp) and a maximum torque of 310 Nm. The electric panel van has a RRP excluding VAT of €64,490.00.
If you're looking for something a little more unusual, the electric pick-up T90 EV from Maxus might be the right choice for you. A pick-up embodies independence and freedom like almost no other vehicle. The MAXUS T90 EV takes this concept to the next level. The T90 EV is the first fully electric pick-up to be available in series production on the German market. The sporty American-style e-transporter offers comfortable space for up to five people as well as sufficient loading space to transport bulky or heavily soiled goods - from mountain bikes to timber for a new tradesman's project or plants and soil for a garden remodelling project. A payload of 925 kg and a towing capacity of one tonne make the pick-up with its robustly lined loading area a real transport vehicle. The MAXUS T90 EV is equipped with a powerful electric motor with an output of 130 kW (177 hp) and a torque of 310 Nm. Price from €54,990.00 excluding VAT.
Sevic presents the electric light truck for the city
With the V500e, the Bochum-based e-van manufacturer Sevic is offering a multifunctional light truck in Europe that can be customised to suit any bathroom requirements. . The special feature: The mini-freighter has a system for quickly changing superstructures. Thanks to the easy-swap system, the V500e electric mini transporter can be fitted with interchangeable superstructures and thus be made fit for different purposes in a short space of time. Only a forklift truck is required for the swap. For example, a box body can be replaced with a platform within 60 seconds.
ARI-Motors: Expansion of the e-commercial vehicle fleet
ARI Motors from Leipzig has specialised in the import and marketing of a wide range of electric commercial vehicles. The all-new ARI 1710 panel van is a powerful electric transporter and can carry a payload of 630 to 1475 kilograms, depending on the battery type and total weight. The vehicle is particularly suitable for use by suppliers of all kinds, service providers, tradesmen and removal companies. The delivery vehicle offers a load space of up to 12,000 litres. Thanks to the sliding side door and the swivelling rear doors with a low loading sill, loading and unloading is particularly easy.
The alternative: e-Cargo Bikes
However, it doesn't always have to be the classic car that accompanies suppliers on their everyday journeys. The development of cargo bikes is now so sophisticated that the differences between a classic transporter and a bicycle are blurred. It is often only possible to recognise at second glance that the transport miracle is actually ‘just’ a bike with pedal assistance. Take the Ono Cargo from Onomotion, for example. The e-CargoBike complements e-vans and e-transporters in urban traffic and speeds up deliveries over the last mile. The interchangeable system allows various interchangeable modules to be swapped in a matter of minutes. The manufacturer offers the e-Cargobike in an attractive subscription model.
Electric vans are used in a wide range of commercial applications.
Electrically powered commercial vehicles are not only a sustainable alternative for transporting goods in logistics. Drinks delivery services and food suppliers can also benefit from efficient and environmentally friendly food deliveries.
Coca-Cola has started to integrate electric lorries and electric delivery vehicles into its fleet in several countries. In 2021, CCEP DE announced that it would convert all cars and vans in its own fleet to e-vehicles by 2025 at the end of the respective lease in order to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to being climate-neutral along the entire value chain by 2040.
Red Bull uses the eDeliver 3 electric van from Maxus around the Red Bull Ring.
The traditional Munich brewery Spaten-Franziskaner has trialled electric trucks for beverage deliveries in Munich in cooperation with MAN Truck & Bus and successfully introduced them into regular operations. Augustiner-Bräu has also been using all-electric Volvo trucks for sustainable transport between the outskirts and city centre of Munich since the beginning of the year.
These examples show how companies in the beverage service sector have successfully switched to electric vehicles to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce operating costs and optimise their supply chain.
Numerous municipalities and local authorities are also converting to electric drives and choosing a purely electric drive type for new purchases. Stadtwerke Demmin in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for example, already integrated an ARI 458 tipper with a leaf grate into its fleet in 2020. The municipality is committed to reducing CO2 emissions and has put a biogas plant into operation, among other things. The environmentally friendly ARI 458 electric transporter fits in perfectly with the city's environmental concept. The electric fleet has since been expanded.
Economic benefits and funding opportunities
In many cases, switching to electric vans can also pay off financially. Depending on the region, different subsidies are available for the purchase price or tax benefits, which can further reduce the total cost of ownership.
Conclusion: Electric commercial vehicles are the future for transport and trade
Switching to electric vans offers numerous advantages for tradespeople and suppliers, which are particularly relevant in today's world. e-vans not only help to reduce CO2 emissions, but also enable significant cost savings during operation. The lower maintenance costs and lower operating costs during operation make the switch economically attractive.
In addition, electric vans improve the corporate image by signalling a clear commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness. In urban areas, where environmental zones and noise regulations are becoming increasingly important, electric commercial vehicles provide a decisive competitive advantage as they offer unrestricted access to these areas.
Recommendations for companies and tradespeople:
analyse the current fleet: Companies should review their current fleet and analyse which vehicles could be replaced by electric vans in order to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency.
utilise funding opportunities: It is worth checking the available subsidy programmes for the purchase of e-commercial vehicles or the installation of charging facilities that support the purchase and operation of electric vehicles. These can significantly reduce the financial outlay.
plan a test phase: Companies that are unsure whether electric vans meet their requirements should plan a test phase with one or more e-vehicles to check their practical suitability in their own company. Many providers make the vehicles available for test drives.
plan charging stations and infrastructure: The switch to electric vehicles requires an appropriate charging infrastructure. Companies should plan the installation of charging stations at their sites at an early stage and ensure that the necessary energy supply is guaranteed.
train employees: Drivers and fleet managers should be trained in the use of the new electric vehicles to ensure optimal use of the vehicles and to benefit from advantages such as energy-saving driving.
The time to switch to electric vans is ideal, as the technology is mature. The advantages are obvious. The financial savings are clear after a short time. Companies that make the switch now secure long-term competitive advantages and actively contribute to sustainability.
On voylt you will find a comprehensive range of electric vans to suit your individual needs.
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