The future of mobility is facing major changes, and choosing the right van plays a crucial role. But which option is better: Should you invest in a new electric van or have your existing diesel van electrified?
With increasing pressure to reduce the environmental impact of transportation, companies are seeking eco-friendly solutions for their fleets. E-mobility offers a promising alternative, but is buying a new electric van really the best option?
In this article, we will examine the pros and cons of both alternatives and help you make the right decision for your company. We will consider factors such as acquisition costs, range, charging infrastructure, and environmental impact to give you a comprehensive overview of the advantages of both options.
Find out which option better suits your needs and how you can future-proof your fleet. Let's shape the future of mobility together!
An electric van is a vehicle powered by an electric motor that draws electrical energy from batteries or other energy storage devices. Unlike conventional diesel vans, an electric van does not emit harmful exhaust fumes, thus contributing to a cleaner environment.
Most electric vans are equipped with lithium-ion batteries that offer high energy density and enable a sufficient range. These batteries can be charged at public charging stations and at the company's charging infrastructure. The increasing number of charging options for electric vehicles provides an increasingly secure solution against the widespread "range anxiety."
Some electric vans also feature regenerative braking systems that recover energy during braking, further increasing the range. With their quiet and emission-free driving, electric vans are a promising option for companies looking to make their fleets more environmentally friendly.
The electric van offers a variety of advantages, particularly in terms of environmental friendliness and cost savings:
Despite these advantages, there are also some challenges and disadvantages that need to be considered when deciding on an electric van. In particular, this usually involves towing capacity, payload, power and range.
An alternative option to purchasing a new electric van is the electrification of an existing diesel van. In this process, the combustion engine of the van is removed and replaced by an electric motor. The energy supply comes from batteries or other energy storage devices.
This approach offers some advantages over buying a new electric van:
Although electrification can be an attractive option, there are also some challenges and limitations that need to be considered. Again, the neuralgic points are usually towing capacity, payload, engine power, charging power and range.
"Range anxiety" is one of the biggest hurdles in the transition to commercial e-mobility. Inexpensive new vehicles often struggle with a practical range for everyday fleet operations. Most conversion solutions also rely on undersized batteries to keep costs low.
However, efficient use of electric vans is possible if you opt for premium brands for new vehicles or highly innovative solutions like the HEERO D2E Conversion. These providers rely on high-performance battery systems and intelligent thermal management to ensure a practical range.
By employing state-of-the-art technologies and carefully selecting vehicles, range anxiety can be overcome. Proactive route planning and the development of your own charging infrastructure are additional key factors for smooth operations with electric vans.
An important aspect when deciding between an electric van and an electrified diesel van is the cost. It is important to consider both the acquisition costs and the ongoing operating costs.
The acquisition costs for a new electric van are typically higher than the costs for electrifying an existing diesel van. As mentioned earlier, this is due to the additional expenses that are often unavoidable when integrating into an existing fleet.
The operating costs of both electric van options are significantly reduced compared to existing diesel vans. Electricity is generally cheaper than diesel, and maintenance costs are typically lower due to the simple design of the electric motor.
It is important to conduct a comprehensive cost analysis to evaluate the short- and long-term costs and savings and find the most economical option for your company (we are here to help).
Another important factor when deciding on an electric van or an electrified diesel van is the environmental impact. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions and promote more sustainable mobility.
Both electric van options have the advantage of not emitting harmful exhaust fumes. By using electric motors and eliminating combustion engines, electric vans contribute to improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions, especially when charged primarily with sustainably generated electricity.
For the electrification of a fleet, the environmental impact naturally depends on the type of electricity generation. If the electricity comes from renewable energy sources, electrification will be an environmentally friendly option. However, if the electricity comes from fossil fuels, the environmental impact could be similar to that of a diesel van.
It is important to consider the entire life cycle of a vehicle and the environmental impact from production to disposal. A comprehensive environmental assessment can help better understand the impact of both options. In the electrification of diesel vans, the unbeatable advantage lies in the tremendous resource conservation through the reuse of existing "embodied energy" - the entire vehicle structure including the drivetrain, but without the diesel engine.
Another important aspect when deciding on an electric van is the availability and charging infrastructure. It is important to ensure that there are sufficient charging stations and that the infrastructure for electric vehicles is also being developed by your own company.
In recent years, the availability of electric vans has improved significantly. Many automakers now offer electric vans as part of their model lineup. This allows companies greater choice and more flexibility in selecting the right vehicle. However, lead times for new electric vehicles often far exceed the timeframe for converting from a diesel to an electric vehicle.
The electrification of diesel vans represents an attractive and often more cost-effective alternative to purchasing new electric vans. It enables sustainable use of existing resources, offers flexibility in transitioning the fleet, and can be customized to the specific needs of the company. Additionally, the environmental impact of electrification is positive, especially when renewable energy sources are used.
Companies looking to make their fleets future-proof and environmentally friendly should seriously consider electrifying their existing diesel vans.
