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Fuel costs eating into your profits? Want to reduce your environmental impact and operate more sustainably? Electric commercial vehicles are rapidly becoming a viable choice for businesses of all sizes.
Read on to find out if using electric commercial vehicles in your business is a good option.
Welcome to the ultimate guide to electric vehicles from TC Harrison Ford.
There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to figuring out if an electrified van is the best choice for your business.
One of the main reservations businesses have about making the switch to electric is their fleet's daily driving distance. Obviously, this will vary from company to company, but it's an important factor to consider. Take into account the cost of fuel compared to what you will potentially be spending on charging costs.
Understanding your charging capabilities is crucial for business development. Matching your charging options to daily usage patterns ensures your vans can complete their routes without range anxiety. Faster chargers minimise downtime, while slower overnight charging might suffice for shorter routes.
Plug-in Hybrid vehicles (PHEV) offer a combined conventional engine and an efficient electric battery motor. The van can be filled with fuel, as well as having the battery charged via an external electric supply. PHEVs are able to drive for ranges of up to 30 miles using solely electric power, so it is still important to keep them topped up with fuel.
PHEVs are smart, conserving their battery power and only using the combustion engine on longer journeys, and only switching to the battery engine during periods of traffic.
There are many benefits of using a Plug-in Hybrid vehicle , which include greater mpg efficiency, significantly lower CO2 emissions, the ability to charge with electric mains and the being able to drive emission free.
An example of a PHEV commercial vehicle is the All-New Transit Custom Plug-in Hybrid, coming soon to TCH Ford
Battery-Electric vehicles (BEV) are fully electric vehicles. These vans do not have a combustion engine, instead they are powered solely by an electric motor. This battery must be charged externally by a power source.
Similar to how you recharge your mobile phone, Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs) need to be plugged in to replenish their battery's energy. There are different charging options available, ranging from fast chargers (AC 10-20kW) for quicker top-ups to rapid chargers (DC 50-100kW) and high-power chargers (DC 150kW) for ultra-fast charging.
An example of a BEV van available from TCH Ford is the E-Transit
One of the biggest advantages for businesses transitioning to electric commercial vehicles is the power of home charging. Employees can charge overnight at lower off-peak electricity rates, significantly reducing fuelling expenses compared to petrol or diesel.
Remote monitoring of home charging allows for easier tracking of energy usage and optimising charging schedules for cost-effectiveness.
Charging the vehicle during the working day can also benefit businesses who are looking to make the change over to electric. Employees can conveniently top up their vehicles throughout the workday, maximising their driving range and minimising downtime spent searching for public chargers.
Some van drivers may worry about the electric range on an EV, however they need not worry as there is plenty of public charging infrastructure available for them to stop and charge at during their work day.
Public charging stations allow your drivers to extend their range beyond a single charge, enabling them to complete longer journeys or unexpected detours. Strategically utilising public charging stations during breaks or deliveries can reduce downtime and keep your fleet moving efficiently.
Just the same as what you would do if you turned up at a petrol station that was full, you simply wait for one to become free or go to somewhere with an available charging point. As demand continues to increase for electric vans, the amount of available charging infrastructure grows larger also.
Once your van is plugged in and charging, it is not possible for somebody else to unplug it without unlocking it using your keys or entry pin.
This is one of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to electric van charging, so we're here to tell you that yes, you can!. There are numerous layers of protection when it comes to stopping rainwater causing damage to your commercial vehicle or charger, so there's no need to worry about charging your car in the rain.
Generally speaking, the price of a brand-new electric vehicle will be more than its ICE engine counterpart. Government grants can significantly reduce the gap - check the Plug-in Grant for Cars and Vans scheme.
However, there are savings to be had when driving electric vehicles. Until 2025, they are exempt from road tax and have lower company car tax rates. Depending on your energy tariff, you may also save money in the long run by charging your vehicle up with electricity instead of filling up with fuel.
Is your business ready to go electric? View the range of electric vehicles available TC Harrison Ford.
View Electric Vehicles Available at TCH Ford
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