What does the switch to EV mean for CV?
With a Formula E Gen3 hitting top speeds of 200mph, EVs aren’t just for carrot-munching eco warriors anymore. It’s time to start taking them seriously.
But what does it all mean for commercial drivers? Have Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) got the poke, power and reliability you need? Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of making the switch.
Driving range
While most BEVs have quoted ranges of 200 miles plus, you obviously need to think more about recharging. If you do plenty of long-range jobs or you’re always on the go, you’ll need to build that into your day.
Cost per mile
Right now (Oct 22), it’s more expensive to use a rapid charger than it is to use diesel. Charging at home is cheaper. Charging overnight is cheaper again. Putting £10 in your tank currently works out cheaper than paying £10’s to plug into a fast or rapid charger, on average a petrol or diesel car will get you 20 miles further.
Maintenance
Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, so maintenance should cost less. Up to 50% less over the age of the vehicle. However, at present, only 1% of technicians are qualified to work on BEVs safely.*
Government grants
You can get discounts of up to £2,500 on small electric vans, or up to £5,000 on large electric vans. But with electric vehicles costing £1,000s more to buy, they simply make the price more competitive – not cheaper.
Road tax exempt
Fully electric vehicles don't pay road tax. So, you could kiss that goodbye.
ULEZ and CAZ charge free
If you’re travelling into London or any major UK city, you’re bound to enter an Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) or a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). If you’re electric, you won’t have to pay a penny.
Sound good?
There’s no denying it, electric is the future. But it probably isn’t everyone’s future just yet. However, this isn’t a case of either/or, the beauty of electric is that Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) are a great option for those who aren’t quite ready to jump into a 100% battery powered lifestyle.
It’s obvious with Ford Transit Custom PHEV and the arrival of the new Ford E-Transit that the market is changing. With the huge increase in driving range, it could even be the game changer that finally persuades petrol and diesel fans to switch. But until then, we’ll keep watching and doing what we do best. So when going electric is absolutely 100% right for our customers, we’ll be ready.
For your info:
Fact relating to charging cost
https://www.parkers.co.uk/electric-cars/electric-charging-infrastructure-uk
* https://tide.theimi.org.uk/industry-latest/news/automotive-industry-ramps-ev-qualified-technicians