The latest SMMT data delivered positive news for the adoption of electric vans. Whilst overall new van registrations fell by nearly 20% in February, the demand for battery electric vans was up over 55% year on year, with market share rising to 9.7%. However, the numbers are still below the government’s target for 2025 of 16%.

Van manufacturers are adding more electric vans to their offering. The challenge is that commercial vehicle users are still hesitating on making wholesale change. Probably central to that hesitation is the lack of confidence in charging infrastructure and battery range along with a reticence to commit to technology that is likely to be quickly surpassed which, in turn, has an impact on current residual values.

Delivering real-world experience

Addressing these issues, Europcar is focused on delivering real-world experience to businesses without the long-term commitments.  

“When businesses and their drivers have the opportunity to try out electric motoring for themselves, in real-world conditions, confidence increases significantly”, explained Keith Shorter, Director of Europcar Vans & Trucks. “Renting an electric van for a few days, a week or more, delivers much more than a standard test-drive. And long-term rental delivers the latest EV technology without a business having to make a financial commitment that might not be the right fit in the longer-term.”

Europcar adds small electric vans to fleet to help businesses go electric 

As part of its mission to help businesses make the switch to electric, Europcar is adding a significant volume of small electric panel vans to its nationwide fleet. Available from locations across the UK on long term flex rental of three months or more, the Vauxhall Combo Electric and award-winning Renault Kangoo E-Tech provide an ideal entry route to electric motoring. 

“We are confident that adding these vans to the Europcar fleet will help SMEs and businesses running larger fleets reduce their carbon emissions without impacting productivity”, added Keith Shorter.”

Find out more at https://www.europcar.co.uk/en-gb/p/business/fleet-services/electric