Electric vans from ecodrive

There are electric versions of most sizes of light commercial vehicles from small city vehicles up to large 4.6tonne long wheelbase, high roof panel vans. On the same chassis as the vans we can offer versions such as minibuses and pick-ups too.

For specialist applications there are also 7.5tonne trucks available!

Most vans have an unchanged load space from the petrol and diesel versions (the batteries are fitted underneath the floor) and usually have a maximum payload only slightly less than the conventional version. A maximum range of around 80-150 miles per charge makes them ideal for local deliveries for all but the heaviest loads (such as sandwich deliveries, florists and couriers) regular service routes and municipal operations.

With no clutch or gears they are simple to drive and surprisingly quick off the line if necessary thanks to the high torque of the electric motor! The "accelerator" pedal is actually more of a "speed control" pedal since you use it to control your deceleration too! Fine control over vehicle speed and hill descents is possible without using the footbrake most of the time! This makes the vehicles very efficient in the energy that they use, whilst being less fatiguing to drive, particularly in intensive urban driving.

Most models are currently offered as aftermarket conversions on factory vehicles from the leading manufacturers. In mid-2011 there will be factory-produced models of a popular small van.

Being exempt from Congestion Charge and not requiring an operator license further enhances the financial appeal of the low running cost. When you factor in the ability to write down 100% of the purchase cost in the first year as an Enhanced Capital Allowance and the sums can really add up!

You should aim for a vehicle which meets your daily needs without extra daytime charging "most" of the time since it is best to take energy overnight when there is low demand on the national grid, unless you have your own renewable energy generation such as a wind turbine or solar panel. Regular higher mileage drivers should consider an alternative fuel combustion engined vehicle.

We can tailor a vehicle to suit your requirements considering your patterns of usage, payload, operating conditions, opportunities to recharge and other specific conditions to your business. We can consult on fleets to identify roles which can successfully be replaced or supplemented by an EV commercial and plan the introduction of the vehicle, any necessary charging stations (even at multiple sites) and provide driver training to reassure your staff and get the best from them and the vehicle.

We can advise on sourcing renewable energy to recharge your vehicle(s) or, if you want a complete package, work with our partners to install solar, wind and other technologies to generate a proportion (or all) of the energy that your fleet will need, currently with very attractive financial incentives via the Feed-In Tariff.

We have a number of Peugeot Partner Electrics in our fleet of rental vehicles and will be offering new and used vans for sale soon. We offer a full package of accessories and fitments such as rear side windows, racking systems, flashing rotating beacon lights and warning bleepers.