Range Of Electric Vans Increases
If there’s one issue that’s competing with Brexit for column inches, it’s climate change. The increasing tempo of demonstrations like the recent Extinction Rebellion and the activism of Greta Thunberg are putting this issue firmly on the global agenda. It’s now abundantly clear we all need to make urgent changes to reduce the worrying impact that greenhouse gasses are having on the environment.
This change needs to include the logistics sector and the future of delivery going forward. Via a combination of local and national legislation and industry innovation, solutions are coming through at an increasing pace. And because of these efforts, it’s encouraging to see that the technologies needed to develop fit for purpose electric vans and trucks are making huge strides.
Infrastructure Underpins The Future Of Delivery
Barriers to the adoption of electric trucks have always been their working range and the ability to recharge them quickly. Happily, both these issues are gradually being addressed. Look at Sadiq Khan’s plans for a recharging infrastructure in London or the provisions made in the various CAZ proposals in UK cities and you can see the will is there.
Whether these changes come quickly enough is the unanswered question.
Long Range Vehicles
One thing’s for sure. With the clock ticking against the government’s target to reduce carbon emissions by 2040, it’s encouraging to see manufacturers developing electric trucks that can make the grade.
Panaflex is just such a company. They introduced their first commercial electric vans in 2008 and have consistently developed their technology over a series of successful trials and pilots. Today they offer an 18-tonne vehicle with several battery pack options. This means that the best of these trucks has a range of up to 300 km. This impressive capability makes them eminently useable in urban environments with the bonus of delivering a 95% equivalent saving in fuel costs.
As Sid Sadique of electric van supplier Electra Vehicles, confirms:
“This new truck is perfect now for city deliveries, and with the way the world is heading, the call for electric vehicles is growing by the day.”
It’s also heartening to see that big brands like Hovis, Royal Mail and UPS are working on designs for electric vehicles to add to their fleets, making them ready for the carbon-free future.
The Cost Of A Greener Future
Given these advances, there are good reasons to be optimistic about the future of electric delivery services. However, there is a fly in this particular ointment, that of cost. The business case of electric vans juxtaposed against ever-tighter market expectations may make the payback schedules unattractive for fleet managers to justify the investments.
Currently, it’s as much about economics as it is the environment.
The Truckcraft Challenge
It’s likely to be a combination of legislative pressures, social activism and increasing fuel costs that drives the wholesale adoption of electric delivery vehicles. But that day is coming be in no doubt
In the interim, canny fleet managers may want to consider Truckcraft’s hybrid range of delivery trucks fitted with TRAILAR’s solar technology. This innovative product goes a long way to meeting many eco-aspirations without the current downsides of fully electric vehicles.
Don’t wait for technology to catch up. Call our team today to enquire about our advanced eco-vehicles and make an immediate contribution to preserving our precious environment.
For more information on our range of eco-friendly delivery trucks and vans, please contact the Truckcraft Bodies sales team on 0161 304 9404. Alternatively, email glen.pinder@truckcraftbodies.co.uk or emma.jane@truckcraftbodies.co.uk.
Published: Dec 10