Are electric vans the future? Well, many businesses are starting to invest in electric vans. If you operate a fleet or rely on your vans to carry around products, goods and supply services daily, then it’s worth considering the benefits and the importance of going electric.
In 2018, cars and vans accounted for nearly a fifth of the UK’s total emissions. The government is working hard to reduce our contribution to climate change and you can contribute too. Some climate control initiatives are being brought into place and these will impact businesses across the UK.
But what are the climate control initiatives? What are the benefits of investing in an electric van? Rest assured, we’re going to cover everything you need to know in this post so you can be one step ahead for the future.
We’ll cover:
- Industry Insights: A RECAP
- The Benefits of Electric Vans
- How CoolKit Can Help Businesses Make the Switch
Industry Insights: A RECAP
It’s been reported that transport is now the largest emitting sector for UK greenhouse gas emissions – contributing to 27 percent of domestic emissions in 2019.
In 2019, the UK government also committed to meeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 – this will ensure the UK ends its contribution to climate change. Meaning by 2050, every car and van will need to be zero-emission at the tailpipe.
Although this may sound daunting, this will start with two phases. Step one in 2030 will see the reduction of petrol and diesel vans. Step two will begin in 2035 and all-new vans manufactured will be fully zero-emission at the tailpipe. Alongside fully electric vehicles, some plug-in and hybrid varieties will also be available on the market.
As we’ve previously covered in our other blog posts, Manchester is launching a ‘Clean Air Zone‘ (CAZ) next year to help tackle the air pollution problem. CAZ will officially launch on Monday 30th May 2022 – it’ll operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
The regulations in place will cover most of Greater Manchester and from the 30th of May, vehicle owners will be encouraged to upgrade to electric vehicles or pay a daily charge. This isn’t the same as a Congestion Charge – it will only cover non-compliant vehicles.
With the proposed plans coming into place, there’s never been a better time to be prepared for the future. In fact, preparations should begin now so you’re organised and can make full use of the benefits electric vans provide.
The Benefits of Electric Vans
Electric vehicles can contribute to your business efficiency and more. So, let’s explore some of the advantages.
Environmental Impact
Electric vans produce no emissions at the tailpipe. This means they contribute to improving air quality and reducing dangerous CO2 and NOx emissions that damage the environment. Instead, electric vans are kinder to the environment and help future-proof the planet, unlike diesel or petrol vans.
Government Funding
If you opt for an electric van or you upgrade your entire fleet to eco-friendly options, you could be eligible for government funding. This will give you a discount on the price of brand new low-emission vehicles and is usually given to the vehicle dealerships and manufacturers.
For small vans, the grant will pay for 35 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £3,000. For large vans, it’ll cover 35 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £6,000.
Other government incentives include free parking and charging (in selected locations) and exemption from London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge.
Reduced Vehicle Costs
Electric vans are cheaper to run and maintain – FACT. The cost per mile of electricity is lower than petrol or diesel-electric vans and they’re usually cheaper to maintain as they contain fewer moving parts. Meaning there’s no need for unnecessary maintenance and additional costs.
In comparison to petrol and diesel, electric vehicles can be fully charged at a cost of £1.50 per hour. Whereas diesel can cost around £1.23 and petrol around £1.19 per litre. It’s clear that electric vehicles are a cost-effective alternative and can help future-proof your business for the long haul.
Positive Brand Image
Having an electric vehicle or fleet shows your contribution to improving your impact on the environment as a business. It also shows that you’re taking the necessary steps forward to future-roof your business and its services.
Some customers may only want to support brands that are positively contributing to the environment and in which case, this could expand your client reach and entice new customers.
Preparing For The Future
With the new environmental initiatives commencing soon, companies are encouraged to upgrade their vehicles (if they haven’t already) to meet the challenge. Although some changes don’t occur until 2022, businesses should start to prepare now.
If you choose your electric vehicles now, you may be one step ahead of your competitors. If you want to save money, meet the government demand and minimise hidden vehicle costs, electric vans should be a consideration.
It’s great knowing the benefits, but realistically, how do businesses prepare for the change and where can they go to explore their electric vehicle options? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
How CoolKit Can Help Businesses Make the Switch
At CoolKit, we’re responding rapidly to the growing demand for electric vans. We are focused on providing the best solutions for businesses and we’ll work hard to ensure our customers are prepared for the upcoming changes.
We use our extensive research, development and innovation to deliver high-quality results with quick turnaround times. As well as providing electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, we’ve also invested in research to understand how we can convert them into highly functional, reliable and durable refrigerated vans.
Whichever application our customers choose, we’ll always commit to providing excellent results whilst also supporting customers throughout their buying journey with us at CoolKit.
With 15 years worth of trading experience, we stand out as the leader in temperature-controlled vans in the UK. If you’re looking for unrivalled customer support, innovative transport solutions and an expert team on hand to answer questions – you’ve landed in the right place.
Need Help Preparing? We Can Help!
Now you’re up to date with all of the current industry insights and you’re aware of the benefits of electric vehicles… It’s time to consider if these changes will impact your business. Have you already made the switch or are you considering your options?
Choosing the right vehicles for your business is one of the most important decisions you might have to face as a fleet owner. However, it doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing with the help of an expert team.
If you’re keen to start the preparation and you want to drive your business forward in the right direction – get in touch today! It would be great to hear from you.
