In terms of electrification progress, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) are lagging behind passenger cars. The 2030 deadline on the manufacture and sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, however, is relevant to both vehicle categories.
It’s important to remember that LCV electrification offers potential benefits to organisations now. The sooner you start your journey to electric fleets, the sooner you’ll be reaping the environmental, reputational and financial advantages – and the faster you’ll learn how to optimise them.
What are LCVs?
At the lighter end of the LCV bracket sit car-derived vans such as the VW Caddy and Ford Fiesta van. At the heavier end – approaching 3.5 tonnes in weight – you’ll recognise the classic Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans.
The range of roles LCVs carry out is even broader. Smaller vehicles are common choices for tradespeople to store and transport tools. Landscapers and construction businesses often employ pickup trucks for transporting and towing. Organisations including retailers rely on larger vans for local and nationwide delivery purposes.
What particular benefits does LCV electrification offer?
The cheaper cost of refuelling at owned charging facilities – and the possible savings on reduced maintenance requirements (and therefore vehicle ‘downtime’) – can help offset initial investment costs.
eLCVs are also exempt from clean-air charges – another cost saving for organisations running vehicles in major cities.
The lack of emissions inherent in running eLCV fleets helps organisations achieve sustainability targets.
What to consider before electrifying your LCV fleets
- Cost
- Range
- Payload
- Procurement cycle
- Charging locations and charger specifications
- Charging accessibility
- Driver attitude
Reaping the benefits
Although the electrification of your LCV fleet won’t be without challenges, it’s worth remembering the potential benefits, the existing support and the available approaches.
eLCV electrification provides a route to genuine cost savings, sustainability advances and public perception improvements.
Specialist electrification partners can support you through the process too, tailoring your journey and helping you avoid expensive mistakes.
Taking the quick wins now will:
- Simplify your overall electrification challenge
- Help you learn from experience
- Allow time for operational change, charging-facility expansion and technological development to aid with full rollout
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