A recent study has shown that switching to electric vans could save companies around £14,000 over three years compared to traditional diesel vehicles. However, manufacturers are struggling to meet the UK government's target of 16% of new vans sold in Great Britain being electric by 2025, with only 9.5% achieved so far. The issue is not just about meeting targets but also about the cost savings and performance of electric vans.
Openreach, a subsidiary of BT, has switched to electric vans, citing cost savings as the main reason. The company's director of fleet, Judy O'Keefe, praised the reliability and maintenance benefits of electric vehicles, which have significantly reduced breakdowns and roadside rescues. However, range anxiety is still a concern for some drivers.
The UK government has introduced flexibilities in its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate to make it easier for manufacturers to meet targets. These allow companies to earn credits by cutting the emissions of petrol and diesel vehicles they sell and can swap these credits between cars and vans.
Despite the challenges, some big fleets are embracing electric vans, including Royal Mail, which has already started using micro-electric vehicles and heavy electric lorries. Energy companies Ovo and SSE have also expressed support for switching to electric vans as soon as possible.
Industry experts say that manufacturers are under pressure due to low demand, with most still making less profit on electric van sales than diesel. However, once the big fleets retire their old vans, which will happen in a few years' time, it's expected that more sole traders and small businesses will switch to electric options.
One engineer who has already made the switch praised the ease of driving an electric van, saying "It's so much better. I'd never go back to a diesel." As the industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more companies like Openreach embracing electric vans and reducing their carbon emissions.
Openreach, a subsidiary of BT, has switched to electric vans, citing cost savings as the main reason. The company's director of fleet, Judy O'Keefe, praised the reliability and maintenance benefits of electric vehicles, which have significantly reduced breakdowns and roadside rescues. However, range anxiety is still a concern for some drivers.
The UK government has introduced flexibilities in its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate to make it easier for manufacturers to meet targets. These allow companies to earn credits by cutting the emissions of petrol and diesel vehicles they sell and can swap these credits between cars and vans.
Despite the challenges, some big fleets are embracing electric vans, including Royal Mail, which has already started using micro-electric vehicles and heavy electric lorries. Energy companies Ovo and SSE have also expressed support for switching to electric vans as soon as possible.
Industry experts say that manufacturers are under pressure due to low demand, with most still making less profit on electric van sales than diesel. However, once the big fleets retire their old vans, which will happen in a few years' time, it's expected that more sole traders and small businesses will switch to electric options.
One engineer who has already made the switch praised the ease of driving an electric van, saying "It's so much better. I'd never go back to a diesel." As the industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more companies like Openreach embracing electric vans and reducing their carbon emissions.
and i'm like totes on board!! they say switching to electric vans can save you around £14k in 3 years which is insane for a company like Openreach who already made the switch 
plus the reliability and maintenance benefits are apparently super good so no more breakdowns and roadside rescues yay! 
i do think range anxiety is still a thing tho but i guess it's not as big of a deal now that there r more options and the gov has introduced some flexibilities with those zero-emission vehicle credits 
anyway can't wait to see more companies like Openreach and Royal Mail go electric 
. Openreach has switched to electric vans and it's all about cost savings and reliability 
. I can see why they'd want to ditch the hassle of breakdowns & roadside rescues! 
Range anxiety is still a concern tho... but flexible targets from the gov't might help manufacturers meet the target 
. It's good to see big fleets like Royal Mail embracing electric vans, and energy companies like Ovo & SSE getting on board too 
. I'm curious to see how sole traders & small businesses will adapt once their old vans retire 
.
. Companies need to invest in their fleets and think about the future, it's not just about meeting targets for the sake of it 
. And yeah, range anxiety is still a thing, but that's coming down as tech improves 
. The UK government introducing flexibilities is a good move btw 
. I'm not saying manufacturers have no reason to be worried, but they need to stop complaining and start innovating 
Plus, what about the whole battery recycling thing? It's like, great for the planet, but are we ready for that? 
! Like, £14k is a pretty decent chunk of change, but I guess the industry is all about finding ways to stay competitive 
!
Manufacturers are gonna have to hustle hard to meet that mark, especially with the cost savings not being as massive as people thought 
. But still, low demand and less profit margins are major roadblocks 
. Hopefully, when those old vans retire, we'll see more small businesses and sole traders making the switch... it's a start! 
.
. And yeah, range anxiety is a thing, but companies are working on it 
. I'm glad to see big fleets like Royal Mail and energy companies jumping on the bandwagon too 
️. We need more of these stories to get people excited about electric vans and the future of transportation