Electric van ‘market turbulence’ explored in new whitepaper

Venson Automotive Solutions is encouraging fleet managers to ‘hold tight’ as they navigate the shift to electric vans. 

In its latest whitepaper, ‘Living Your Best e-Van Life’, the vehicle leasing company examines the primary factors behind today’s market turbulence. 

It concludes that, while the journey is challenging, the future of electric vans is promising, thanks to the resilience and adaptability of the fleet industry.

Simon Staton, client management director at Venson, said: “Think back just five years, Covid was virtually unheard of, Ford had not yet launched the E-Transit and Mercedes was celebrating the 90-mile range of the new eVito. Surpassing 100 miles felt like the Holy Grail.

“In today’s world change is relentless, and the hard-hitting reality is that vans are responsible for 40% of all logistics industry pollution, underscoring the urgency for transition.”

Aside from Government fast-tracking its consultation to review its zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, Venson says there are other reasons to be optimistic about the future of electric vans, including encouraging trends in the resale market, and paradigm shifts in addressing the skills gap.  

Thanks to lessons learnt from electric cars, it says that fleet operators are already “experts” in electric van (e-van) service maintenance and repair (SMR). 

Staton continued: “The UK e-van market faces undeniable turbulence, but we cannot bury our heads in the sand whilst we wait for government to overturn its predecessor’s decision to delay our transition.

“Competition on pricing and aftersales is picking up and the latest e-vans are more enticing than ever. 

“It is a strong bet that the key to widespread e-van adoption lies in good old carrot and stick – generous incentives to go green, along with rising diesel taxes. 

“The challenge, however, lies in striking the right balance to make e-van adoption accessible and appealing to all, so every user can truly embrace their ‘best e-van life’.”