Plan ahead for EV transition, says Dawsongroup vans
While van fleets are playing an important part in the UK’s road to net zero, transitioning to electric is not simply a case of swapping keys, according to nationwide LCV rental specialist Dawsongroup vans. Rather, it is a strategic operational shift that involves finance, infrastructure, operations and people – but when businesses get it right, they stand to make significant savings.
“The businesses that make a success of going electric are the ones that treat it as a planned programme, not a procurement decision,” said Simon Ridley, managing director at nationwide van rental specialist Dawsongroup vans.
Before a single electric van arrives on the fleet, managers need a clear picture of how their existing vehicles are used, says the company. It observes that the average UK van travels fewer than 50 miles a day, well within the range of most modern electric models – though exceptions exist, and overlooking them can cause serious operational disruption.
“Range anxiety is real, but it is often based on assumption rather than data,” said Ridley.
“When fleet managers look at their telematics, they’ll often find that their routes are well within what current electric vans can handle.”
Charging is where many businesses come unstuck, the firm contends; fleet managers need to consider whether depot charging, home charging for drivers, or a hybrid approach best suits their operation. Each option has different cost implications, grid capacity requirements and lead times for installation.
“Charging infrastructure is not something you retrofit as an afterthought,” said Ridley. “It needs to be planned in parallel with your vehicle selection, not after it.”
Electric vans carry a higher upfront price tag than diesel vans and, in some cases, this can be several thousand pounds more. But total cost of ownership should be factored in, Dawsongroup vans points out; recharging costs significantly less than diesel, servicing intervals are longer due to fewer moving parts, and government plug-in van grants are available to eligible buyers too.
“Purchasing EV vans for your fleet is not the only option,” advised Ridley.
“Long-term rental might work better for your business, removing barriers such as the high initial outlay and the headache of maintenance and servicing.”
He emphasises the importance of bringing drivers on board in the EV transition via hands-on training before vehicles go into service.
“A well briefed driver will consistently get more from an electric van than one that’s left to figure it out alone,” said Ridley.
“Drivers who were sceptical can quickly become advocates. The combination of ride experience, the quietness and the instant response, can positively change how they feel about their working day.”
