Arval finds more fleets opting for electric vans.
As the world continues on its journey towards achieving net zero emissions, more and more fleets are adopting electric vans to play their part in the transition. Exciting new research from Arval has revealed some fascinating trends in the adoption of electric vans for different mileage roles.
The latest 2024 Mobility Observatory Barometer conducted by Arval focused on how fleets are choosing to use three classes of electric vans as they make the switch from traditional diesel vehicles. What stood out from the research was that a significant proportion of fleets are opting to use electric vans for higher-mileage roles rather than for shorter distances.
When it comes to small vans, the survey found that 38% of respondents planned to use them to cover more than 100 miles daily, while only 25% intended to use them for shorter distances. For medium vans, the figures were 37% for longer distances versus 24% for shorter ones, and for large vans, 35% for higher mileage roles as opposed to 28% for lesser distances.
Furthermore, the research delved into the operational measures that fleets are implementing as they embrace electrification. Some of the key strategies being adopted include using electric vans with lower payloads (30%), avoiding the need to recharge on-the-go (28%), ensuring charging availability (25%), and eliminating the need for towing (20%).
Have you considered transitioning from diesel to battery electric vans and which van classes and daily mileage profiles have caught your attention?
| Total | Less than 10 employees | 10-99 employees | 100-999 employees | More than 1,000 employees | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small vans | Up to 100 miles daily | 25% | 30% | 24% | 20% | 24% |
| Over 100 miles daily | 38% | 31% | 42% | 39% | 43% | |
| Medium vans | Up to 100 miles daily | 24% | 16% | 24% | 25% | 35% |
| Over 100 miles daily | 37% | 37% | 48% | 39% | 25% | |
| Large vans | Up to 100 miles daily | 28% | 22% | 41% | 28% | 27% |
| Over 100 miles daily | 35% | 30% | 39% | 43% | 31% | |
| None of the above | 14% | 16% | 11% | 11% | 15% |
Various measures are being taken by businesses to transition from diesel to electric vans. Some of the actions include using electric vans for lower payloads (30%), choosing vans with mileage range to avoid on-the-go recharging (28%), ensuring charging availability (25%), analysing effectiveness with a small number of electric vans (25%), and using electric vans where towing is unnecessary (20%).
This year’s Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer marks the first time that these areas have been explored, shedding light on some intriguing trends in van electrification. According to John Peters, who leads the research in the UK, the findings showcase a practical approach to adoption.
John Peters stated, “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.”
He also expressed optimism about the increasing number of fleets adopting electric vans for longer daily routes, highlighting the potential for electric vans to cover significant miles annually.
With fleets becoming more accustomed to electric vans, there is great anticipation to see how this trend unfolds. As operators gain more experience with electric vehicles, they are expected to leverage their operational strengths more effectively. Additionally, advancements in design are likely to address current limitations, paving the way for more widespread adoption of electric vans in the future.
All the insights presented have been derived from the 2024 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer, which involved surveying 8,605 businesses across 30 countries to understand their vehicle operations and transition to electrification.
