How Far Do Electric Vans REALLY Go?

In our previous blog, we explored the truth about electric car ranges and how many miles you can actually expect to drive. If you think ‘range anxiety’ is a myth, then think again - it’s as real as the rising price of fuel.  

It would be remiss of us if we didn’t create a similar article for electric vans, so without further ado, here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a commercial EV for your business…

How far can an electric van go?

Many business owners are put off by the thought of owning an electric van, purely based on concerns that they won’t be able to travel as far; this is often referred to as ‘range anxiety’. 

But how much truth is there in this and is it justified? Whilst an electric van can’t currently cover the amount of miles its conventional cousin can, by its nature, the battery range is improving. 

Just like with an electric car, the range of an electric van is affected by a number contributing factors. These include the size of the battery, weight of the vehicle, driving style, and road surface to name a few. 

All electric vehicles undergo testing via a process called the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) to determine their official range. We’ve explained more about this process in our ‘How Far Do Electric Cars REALLY Go?’ blog.

Electric van range by make and model

On average, an electric van can travel between 100-200 miles on a single charge. However, the distance each make and model can go differs, so to help you determine the ideal EV for you, we’ve listed battery ranges* for the most popular electric vans in the UK… 

*All the ranges quoted in the table below are the official WLTP figures as advertised by the manufacturer (dependent on battery configuration). For clarity and fairness, we’ve also listed figures (where available) courtesy of the Electric Vehicle Database (EVDB); the website provides an overview of EV ranges in a more likely real-world driving situation. 

The benefits of an electric van

Although electric vans are yet to catch up with their combustion engine counterparts in terms of distance covered on a single charge, don’t let that put you off just yet… There are so many reasons why an electric van will benefit you and your business. Here’s a few examples:

• Government grant. Receive a discount of up to £2,500 on small electric vans, or up to £5,000 on large electric vans. 
• Zero emissions motoring. If you’re wary of your carbon footprint, then investing in an electric van will help you accelerate to a greener future. Fully electric vehicles emit zero emissions. 
• Road tax exempt. Fully electric vans are exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) - also referred to as road tax. Thankfully, the UK Government has provided electric van owners with the same incentives as those that own electric cars, so expect your annual road tax to be a big fat zero.
• No MOT for three years. Like any new vehicle, an electric van does not need an MOT for the first three years.
• ULEZ and CAZ charge free. If you’re traveling into London or any other major UK city, you’ll be exempt from Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) fees and Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges. 
• Cheaper running costs. Typically, electric vans are cheaper to run than petrol and diesel vans.  

Your electric van questions answered

If you’re considering investing in an electric van, then you’ll no doubt have many questions before you commit. Here we’ve answered some of the most popular questions about electric vans:

Why are electric vans so expensive?

Many potential electric van owners are understandably put off by the price tag. But, there are some logical reasons as to why an EV is more expensive than a petrol or diesel version, so let us explain more…

One of the main reasons electric vans are expensive is because the batteries used to power them are expensive to produce. Battery manufacturing plants need to be big enough to accommodate all the technology required to develop electric vehicle components, and with that, comes huge costs.

In addition, the semiconductor crisis has also had an impact and driven up prices in the market.   

How long do electric van batteries last?

It is expected that electric van batteries will last anywhere from 10 years to 20 years before they need replacing. The good news is that most manufacturers will automatically offer between five years to eight years warranty, or 100,000 miles on their batteries for ultimate peace of mind. 

Can an electric van tow?

Just like with a petrol or diesel van, an electric van is capable of towing. Electric vans are typically heavier than their combustion engine counterparts, so you’ll need to ensure the load you are towing doesn’t exceed the overall payload. 

It’s best to check with the manufacturer regarding the electric van model’s towing capabilities before you invest.

Purchase a new or used electric van

Although we’re best known for selling new and used cars here at Wilsons Epsom, we also have a commercial vehicle site too. Located in nearby North Cheam, Loads of Vans is equipped for all your business vehicle needs and offers some of the best electric vans on the market. 

At our Loads of Vans sister site, you can avoid long wait times thanks to the amount of stock available, ready and waiting for you to drive away today. Save thousands of pounds on an electric van thanks to the abundance of HOT DEALS offered across a range of vehicles.

Visit Loads of Vans and start your electric van search today!