LCV fleets in urban areas could drive down their whole-life costs by turning to electric and plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles.
So says Venson Automotive Solutions as it urges fleets including last-mile delivery fleets and couriers, local authorities and SMEs to explore the potential for such vehicles now to ‘future proof’ their fleets ahead of forthcoming Clean Air Zone deployment.
Although the choice of plug-in vans currently on sale is not extensive, a number of 100% electric and plug-in hybrid models from mainstream manufacturers are due for launch, with the potential to cut costs through the government’s plug-in van grant as well as through fuel, maintenance and Vehicle Excise Duty savings as well as exemption from the London Congestion Charge and the newly introduced T-Charge.
Simon Staton, client management director at Venson, commented: “It is critical that fleet decision-makers investigate the pros and cons of plug-in vans, compare and contrast with internal combustion engine rivals and then carefully marry that analysis to typical journey profiles and vehicle use.
“Plug-in vans are not going to be viable for all fleets and we’re not yet anticipating a wholesale switch over. However, for urban operations 100% electric vans are an option and for fleets that require vehicles to undertake urban and some distance driving then plug-in hybrids may provide the solution.
“In all likelihood, it is possible that many fleets will discover that plug-in vans deliver a viable operating solution without any impact on business efficiency – and they may just save the business some money and well as supporting its corporate social responsibility programme.”
