A larger proportion of fleets are adopting electric vans for higher-mileage roles than those who plan to use them for lesser distances, new Arval research shows.

Fleets are adopting electric vans for longer daily routes

Its 2024 Mobility Observatory Barometer asked fleets how they were using, or were considering using, three classes of electric van as they transitioned from diesel.

Out of those in the UK operating small vans, 38% said they would be used to cover more than 100 miles daily, compared to 25% below.

For medium vans, the figures were 37% over 100 miles against 24% below, and for large vans, 35% over 100 miles against 28% below.

Respondents were also quizzed on operational measures introduced for van operation as they moved towards greater electrification.

Fleets said they were concentrating on using electric vans where a lower payload was possible (30%), where drivers won’t have to recharge on-the-go (28%), where charging was available (25%) and where there was no need for towing (20%).

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It’s the first time that the Arval Mobility Observatory has explored these areas and John Peters, who heads up the research in the UK, said the findings reveal very interesting trends for van electrification.

“More than anything, they show a highly practical approach to adoption. These operators are working around the current limitations of their electric vans, by using them in operational roles for which they are better suited – for example, carrying lighter loads or avoiding towing.”

He added that the data showing large numbers of fleets adopting electric vans for longer daily routes was highly encouraging.

“The results clearly show that, across small, medium and large electric vans, many fleets are either operating or planning to operate vehicles on daily routes of more than 100 miles. Overall, this indicates that while they are closely managing their BEVs in terms of practical limitations, the majority aren’t limiting them to local routes only. These electric vans are being adopted to cover 25,000 miles a year or more.

“As fleets become more familiar with electric vans, it’ll be very interesting to see how this situation develops. They will become increasingly familiar with their operational strengths and learn to use them in an optimal manner. Also, of course, we expect new designs to appear relatively quickly, with each generation incrementally reducing current limitations.”

All the findings are taken from the 2024 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer, which questioned 8,605 businesses in 30 countries about their vehicle operations.