Electric Vans Surge in Popularity Across Australia
While electric cars have captured headlines in Australia’s new-vehicle market, a parallel revolution is underway in the commercial vehicle sector. Electric vans are quietly gaining momentum, and industry experts believe electrifying these workhorses may offer significant environmental benefits.
Commercial vans often travel far greater distances daily than passenger cars, making them ideal candidates for electrification. Vans typically average around 150km per day, compared to passenger cars which average only 30-40km, and they are primarily powered by diesel. As a result, the conversion to electric power represents an opportunity to reduce substantial emissions.
The electric van market is expanding rapidly, mirroring the growth seen in the passenger vehicle segment. Businesses are increasingly seeking ways to meet or exceed sustainability targets, and choosing electric vans is a way to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.
What Makes an Electric Van a Good Investment for Australian Businesses?
Electric vans, like their passenger car counterparts, replace the internal combustion engine with an electric motor and batteries. The spacious design of a cargo van allows for the batteries to be neatly integrated underneath, offering sufficient range without diminishing space, making them well-suited for businesses that make multiple deliveries each day.
While the daily demands might seem challenging, many delivery businesses already track their daily mileage. This data, combined with the improving range of modern electric vans, makes them a sensible choice for many operators. Furthermore, the fluctuating prices of petrol and diesel create operational cost advantages for electric vans as they offer a significant reduction in fuel costs.
For example, Amazon has partnered with EV start-up Rivian to design a bespoke Amazon delivery van. This deal includes the construction of 100,000 electric vans in the coming years, which, according to the companies, will save “millions of metric tons of carbon per year” once all have been built and delivered.
Electric Vans Currently Available in Australia
Several electric van models are already available in the Australian market. New models and brands will be arriving over the next few years, including:
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Ford e-Transit:
Ford’s e-Transit is a significant player in the electric van segment. Equipped with a 190kW/430Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, the E-Transit offers a driving range of 317km thanks to a 68kWh battery. Ford claims the van can be fully charged in eight hours from a standard outlet, but a DC fast charger can boost the battery from 15% to 80% in just 34 minutes. The battery and motor are located under the floor, preserving the van’s 11.5 cubic meters of cargo space.
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LDV eDeliver 7:
The LDV eDeliver 7 is a mid-sized option, offering updated battery technology, new electric motors, and a modern cabin. It competes with the Toyota Hiace in cargo capacity and is offered in multiple body styles with different battery capacities.
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Mercedes-Benz eVito:
Mercedes-Benz offers a range of electric vans, including the eVito, the eSprinter, and the EQV people mover. The eVito is available in the eVito 112 LWB trim, priced at $98,951, featuring an 85kW/360Nm electric motor and a 60kWh battery pack. The eVito is also available in a Tourer version that offers a more powerful 150kW/365Nm motor and a larger 90kWh battery pack. At the time of this writing, the Tourer version was priced from $137,515.
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Peugeot E-Partner:
The Peugeot E-Partner is a compact electric van that offers 3.9 square meters of storage space and is powered by a 100kW electric motor. Despite the switch to electric power, it maintains most of the capabilities of its petrol-powered counterpart, and has a driving range of 258km on the WLTP cycle.
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Renault Kangoo E-Tech:
The Kangoo E-Tech is a city-size van with a 90kW/245Nm front-mounted electric motor and a 45kWh battery pack. The Kangoo E-Tech offers a WLTP-certified driving range of 286km (unladen).
Other models available include the LDV eDeliver 9, and the Mercedes EQV luxury van, and eSprinter large van.
Electric Vans Coming Soon to Australia
The competition in the electric van market, particularly for fleet contracts, is expected to intensify. Several upcoming models offer businesses even more options.
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Ford E-Transit Custom:
The E-Transit Custom is designed to be a smaller option than the E-Transit large van. Available in standard and high-roof configurations, it features a 160kW/415Nm electric motor, paired with a 64kWh battery pack, offering a WLTP-certified driving range of 308km. The E-Transit Custom is expected to be available before the end of 2024.
