A new report investigating the main barriers to widespread electric van adoption and the key solutions is now out from Europcar.

The Van Electrification: Understanding Barriers, Identifying Solutions white paper tackles the critical question of ‘why is van electrification progressing so slowly?’ and explores how a co-ordinated effort among government and all stakeholders is needed to encourage more van fleet operators to make the switch.

With input from the BVRLA and The EV Café, the report spotlights real-world examples of companies already seeing the benefits of electric vans, along with perceived and real-life challenges.

Almost two-thirds (61%) of the fleet operators who took part in the research are already using eLCVs, but 45% of those said they face challenges with the real-world range of the vans on fleet, while 33% are concerned that public charging is unsuitable for vans.

Of the 39% of operators who do not yet have eLCVs on fleet, 38% said this was because they do not consider electric vans to be fit for purpose and 15% put it down to cost. Almost half (46%) said they would add eLCVs to their fleet if they had a longer range.

Keith Shorter, director, Europcar Vans and Trucks, said: “Our research confirmed that range anxiety is holding back a considerable proportion of would-be electric fleets. However, cost, charging infrastructure and lack of knowledge also play a part.

“To encourage accelerated take-up of electric vans, we need the Government to continue offering financial incentives, to see that improvements are made to ensure the existing and future charging infrastructure is suitable for vans and that amendments are made regarding regulations that impact electric vans.”

Europcar also spotlighted that rental helps businesses get past the cost barrier and experience real-world electric driving.

“Renting an electric van allows fleets to find out how zero emissions vehicles can work their business, with no risk and minimal commitment,” Shorter elaborated.

“Test drives from manufacturers and dealers are too short to be reassuring in terms of range, but rental can provide drivers with the opportunity to test e-vans in a real-world working environment.”

The Europcar white paper on Van Electrification: Understanding Barriers, Identifying Solutions is online here.