The Future of Electric Commercial Vehicles

February 26, 2025

Electric Vehicles: Driving Tomorrow's Business

We're all more aware of the impact we have on our environment, and businesses are no different. The government is pushing for cleaner air, and rightly so. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air in our towns and cities. That's a big win for everyone.

Why Electric?

Running an electric vehicle is generally cheaper than running a diesel one. Electricity costs less than diesel, and electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance. Think about it, fewer trips to the garage and lower fuel bills, that's got to be good for the bottom line. You can explore government incentives for electric vehicles on the UK government website.

The Range of Electric Vehicles

There's a growing range of electric commercial vehicles available, from smaller vehicles to larger delivery vehicles. Companies like Ford, Peugeot, and others are all producing electric vehicles, and they're getting better all the time.

Keeping Your Fleet Moving

You've got a few options: you can install charging points at your depot, or you can rely on public charging points. Home charging is also an option for smaller businesses.

If you're installing your charging points, you'll need to consider the power supply and the type of charger you need. Fast chargers can top up a vehicle’s battery in a couple of hours, while slower chargers might take overnight. Planning your charging strategy is important to make sure your fleet is always ready to go.

The range of these vehicles is improving too. Just a few years ago, range anxiety was a real concern. Now, many electric vehicles can travel over 200 miles on a single charge. That's plenty for most delivery routes. And with the increasing number of public charging points, topping up is becoming easier and easier. You can find charging point locations on Zap-Map.

More Than Just Clean Air

It's not just about clean air and lower costs. Electric vehicles offer a few other benefits too. They're quieter than diesel or petrol vehicles, which is good for drivers and for people living in built-up areas. They also offer a smoother driving experience, with instant torque and responsive acceleration.

Drivers often report feeling less fatigued after driving an electric van, which is a big plus for businesses that rely on their drivers to be alert and focused. And because electric vehicles are quieter, they can be used for deliveries at any time of day or night, without disturbing residents.

What to Consider

Of course, there are a few challenges to consider. The initial purchase price of an electric vehicle is generally higher than a diesel or petrol van. This cost is usually offset by lower running costs over the vehicle's lifetime.

Range can still be a concern for some businesses, particularly those that operate over long distances. Battery technology is improving all the time, so this is becoming less of an issue. But it's still something to think about.

The availability of charging infrastructure is also a factor. While the number of public charging points is increasing, it's still not as widespread as traditional fueling stations. Businesses need to plan their routes carefully and make sure they have access to charging points.

Infrastructure

The government and private companies are investing heavily in charging infrastructure. This means more charging points in towns and cities, as well as along major roads. The goal is to make it as easy to charge an electric vehicle as it is to fill up a diesel or petrol vehicle.

There are also initiatives to support businesses that want to install charging points. This can help to reduce the cost of installing charging infrastructure and make it more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses.

Helping Your Team Adapt

Introducing electric vehicles to your fleet might require some training for your drivers and mechanics. Drivers will need to learn how to drive an electric van, how to charge it, and how to maximise its range. Mechanics will need to learn how to maintain and repair electric vehicles.

There are several training courses available for drivers and mechanics. If you are moving towards an electric fleet, this is highly recommended to ensure your staff feel comfortable.

What's Next for Electric Vehicles?

The future of electric commercial vehicles looks bright. Battery technology is improving rapidly, which means longer ranges and faster charging times. The cost of batteries is also falling, which should make electric vehicles more affordable in the future.

A Long-Term Vision

Electric commercial vehicles are a key part of a sustainable future. They offer a way to reduce emissions from the transport sector and improve air quality. They also offer cost savings for businesses and a better driving experience for drivers.

As battery technology improves and charging infrastructure becomes more widespread, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly viable option for businesses of all sizes. It's not just about the vehicles themselves, but about building a sustainable transport system for the future.

AKFS Electric Vehicles

Our range of electric vehicles includes:

We take immense pride in the efficiency, reliability, and eco-friendliness of our electric designs. Our customer testimonials highlight our reputation for delivering high-quality builds and exceptional customer service.

We all have a part to play in this transition. Businesses can lead the way by adopting electric vehicles and demonstrating the benefits to their customers and suppliers. Get in touch today to enquire about our range of electric vehicles.