There are various schemes to encourage the use of electric vehicles and the commercial world is no different. These include the Government plug in van and truck grants.

Other examples of benefits range from free parking in some areas, exemption from Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) charge and even free charging.

View the link for more information – Businesses to benefit from extension to plug-in van and truck grants – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Advantages of electric vans

1. Lower running costs

Electric vans are considerably cheaper to run than diesel alternatives because the cost per mile of electricity is lower. For instance, Citroen claims its Berlingo Electric costs 2-3p per mile to run on average – that’s less than £2 per 40 miles.

2. Cheaper to maintain

There are fewer moving parts in electric vehicles and they’re less hard on their brakes, so maintenance costs are reduced.

3. Environmentally-friendly

Electric vans produce zero tailpipe emissions. This makes them ideal for improving air quality, especially in urban areas, and reducing harmful CO2 and NOx emissions.

4. Incentives

There are various schemes to encourage the use of electric vehicles and the commercial world is no different. These include the Government Plug-in Van Grant, which is worth up to 20% off the list price (up to a maximum of £8,000), plus reduced tax burdens for both business and private use. There are even grants towards the cost of workplace chargers.

Other examples of benefits range from free parking in some areas, exemption from London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge and even free charging.

5. Image booster

Having an electric van or a whole fleet demonstrates to your customers that you have an environmental conscience.

6. Future-proofing

As the need to tackle climate change becomes ever more urgent and many cities look to address air pollution by introducing low or zero emissions zones limiting access of polluting vehicles, companies are switching to electric vehicles to lower business risk and future-proof operations.

7. Easy to drive

Electric vehicles are much simpler to drive. Broadly speaking, you press the accelerator to go and you brake (or simply lift off) to stop. There’s no changing gear and they’re very nippy around town because electric motors deliver instant torque.

It’s also a much more pleasant experience because electric motors are virtually silent, apart from a distant hum or whine.

Contact Commercial Vehicle Trading today for more information about our Electric & Hybrid Vans available to lease, or visit our sister site at www.choosevehicleleasing.com.