2021 is not only the year of electric cars, but also electric vans. The UK electric van market is currently in its prime. There are now more electric vans available than ever, and plenty of options when it comes to leasing or buying.
Businesses are always looking for a way to reduce their spending, and what better way to do it than hiring an electric van instead of a standard internal combustion engine vehicle. Find out about the various models currently on the market, and how EVision can assist you.
VAUXHALL VIVARO-E ELECTRIC VANS
Does the Vauxhall Vivaro sound familiar? Vauxhall have recently decided to revamp the original diesel Vivaro van, in attempt to offer a greener option for businesses. Regardless of the exterior and interior similarities to its predecessor, the driver will be experiencing a whole new meaning to a Vauxhall van when they drive the Vivaro-e. The Vauxhall Vivaro-e was announced as the winner of the ‘International Van of the Year 2021’. Let’s see why it’s such a big hit…
Battery
The Vauxhall Vivaro-e has two different battery sizes which include 50kWh and 75kWh. With a range of 143 – 205 miles, the Vauxhall Vivaro-e is definitely one of the top choices when it comes to range. Vauxhall have clearly thought carefully about how the battery is integrated, to ensure it doesn’t compromise any precious cabin space. How handy!
Charge
If you find yourself needing to charge up on the road, make use of public rapid charging stations. Drivers can charge from 0% – 80% in 30 to 40 minutes. Before you know it you’ll be on your way again.
Charging up at home or work using a standard charger can also take up to 11 hours to gain a full charge, depending on the battery size.
Load space
If you’ve already experienced the standard Vauxhall Vivaro, you’ll be happy to know that the Vivaro-e offers the same amount of load space. A maximum of 1,226KG will be plenty to transport goods, and is perfect for businesses. Similar to it’s diesel counterpart the Vivaro-e also provides two different options, the L2 Panel van or the L2 Elite Double Cab van.
If you would like to hire a Vauxhall Vivaro-e from EVision, prices start from £22.68 + VAT per day. This price is based on a 3 year hire, so the longer you have an electric van on your fleet the cheaper it will be to hire!
NISSAN E-NV200 ELECTRIC VANS
Nissan definitely aren’t newcomers to the EV market. After the huge success of the Nissan Leaf, it wouldn’t be long until they emerged with an electric van of their own. The Nissan e-NV200 is an ideal electric commercial vehicle for businesses big and small. What do you think of the new Nissan electric van?
Battery
The Nissan e-NV200 comes in at middle of the range with a 40kWh battery. Just topping the Renault Kangoo, but falling short of the Vauxhall. Unlike other electric vans the Nissan e-NV200 has eco-mode, as well as B-mode. In short, both of these settings will allow the driver to use regenerative braking to their advantage, and put extra power back into the battery. B-mode is simply the next step up.
Charge
With a WLTP range of around 185 miles on a full charge, it is still a popular choice for businesses needing that extra mileage for work. When drivers have access to rapid chargers, they could also see a full charge in 40 to 60 minutes.
Load space
This particular model from Nissan has a maximum payload of up to 704KG depending on the configuration and a load height of 52cm. With 3 different configuration options available, drivers can adapt their vehicle to transport multiple passengers, purely goods or a mix of both.
RENAULT KANGOO ZE ELECTRIC VANS
Renault has really led the charge to change current vans on the road. The earliest model of the Renault Kangoo ZE electric van originally went on sale in the UK back in 2011. Since then several models have been produced, increasing the battery size, battery life, and a general facelift of the original model.
Battery
The latest model has provided drivers with up to 120 miles of range on a full charge. It has been made with a 33kWh battery. Although this may seem inferior to the Nissan and the Vauxhall Vivaro-e vans, it’s all about how it’s driven. If a driver makes full use of the eco driving mode, and regenerative braking, then they should be benefitting from extra miles. As they say, size doesn’t matter. Especially in this situation!
Charge
The battery on this particular model can be charged up in 4 – 6 hours on a standard type 2 charger. It is also able to be charged up using a three pin domestic socket charger in 17 hours.
Load space
Despite being a smaller sized electric van, the Renault Kangoo can still carry over 600kg. For any doubters, the electric model will carry the same payload as its petrol/diesel counterpart. Like every other vehicle on the market, the weight of your load will affect the range of the vehicle. However, the Kangoo has been designed with this in mind. The Renault Kangoo Z.E. is the ideal solution for “final mile” delivery.
If the Renault Kangoo ZE electric van is for you, it could be yours from just £16.27 + VAT per day.
ARE HYBRID VANS WORTH CONSIDERING?
In short, the answer is no. Nevertheless, they do come with plenty of benefits that a standard internal combustion engine vehicle wouldn’t.
Individuals and companies are starting to consider electrifying their fleet, but are afraid of going the full distance, and going completely electric. Here’s why we wouldn’t suggest getting a hybrid van:
Road Tax benefits
Unlike pure electric vans that benefit from paying £0 road tax, hybrid vans will not be eligible for this. A common misconception is that they will still save companies money. Yes they will in terms of fuelling the vehicle, however hybrid vans are still subject to paying road tax. Any vans registered on or after 1st March 2001, will be required to pay £260.00 a year. Just from driving a pure electric van, it could eliminate unnecessary spending such as road tax!
Drive green
Hybrid vans have an electric motor that will generate power to store up in the battery, or can be plugged in to charge the battery. Although they are more eco friendly than standard petrol or diesel vehicles, they are still causing a lot of unnecessary pollution. Driving a fully electric van will reduce the amount of emissions on the roads.
ELECTRIC VANS AVAILABLE FROM EVISION ELECTRIC VEHICLES
When you hire an electric van from EVision, you will benefit from:
- Paying no upfront deposit
- All maintenance and servicing is covered including tyre wear
- A free electric vehicle charge point for your home or work place
- UK Delivery
- Pick up for free from any 4 of our collection points (Kent, Devon, Durham or Yorkshire)
Whilst it is considerably expensive to buy an electric van from new, hiring from EVision will cut the costs and save you making a big spend. When drivers switch to electric vans, low maintenance and operating costs, high efficiency and performance come as standard. If you’re looking to explore electric vans and want to hire one, you can book your hire online directly via our website. Alternatively, give the EVision team a call on 01634 914063.
Whilst we only currently have the Vauxhall Vivaro-e available and the Renault Kangoo electric vans coming soon, we will be expanding our fleet. Sign up to our monthly EVision newsletter to receive the latest news and be kept up to date. As soon as new electric vans or vehicles arrive, we will let you know!
