Van fleets are being urged to check out the payloads on Euro 6 vehicles before carrying out like-for-like replacements.
The warning comes from Arval, which says there can be a 40-50kg penalty on a 3,500kg Euro 6-compliant vehicle compared to a Euro 5 version due to the extra equipment needed to meet the emission legislation.
Simon Cook, LCV Consultant at Arval, explained: “We have come across several fleets that have hit this problem, with the payload difference creating operational issues for them simply because the newer vans can’t carry as much.”
The issue presents particular problems around the 3,500kg point, where the loss of payload could be substantial but moving to a larger vehicle means encountering a range of other operational issues.
“If your preferred 3.5-tonne van has lost noticeable payload under Euro 6 and you want to opt for a slightly bigger heavier vehicle to compensate, you may find yourself having to handle a whole raft of additional legislative responsibilities, which many fleets will consider undesirable,” added Cook.
Solutions suggested by Arval to its customers include either simply selecting a different vehicle or regaining payload, for example by using lighter racking or carrying less equipment. Another option is to replace one vehicle with two smaller ones.
“Each of these routes are suitable for certain fleets with specific operational needs. It is a question of sitting down and examining the options in a structured fashion,” Cook added.
