There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right vehicle for your business. While some businesses can use company cars and utility trucks, others require more cargo and passenger space than trucks and sedan-style vehicles can provide. Work vans offer several features that may prove more beneficial to your business.
A van allows you to deliver products, transport equipment, and more, without the stress of making multiple trips. Like nearly every type of vehicle, there are numerous makes and models of vans to accommodate everything you need to own and operate a business.
Narrowing down how you will be using the van when it comes to your business operations is essential. For example, will you be transporting passengers or heavy loads more often? What about your financial situation? How can you factor that into selecting a van?
Aside from choosing a van based on your business needs, you also need to consider how your van runs. Diesel and electric vans both serve an important purpose in the business world, but each comes with its own set of considerations.
So how do you know what to look for in a work van? How do you know if diesel or electric would serve your business well? This article will provide you with the information you need to decide if a diesel or electric van is best for your business.
Diesel vs Electric: The Basics
Ninety-six per cent of all vans in the U.K. run on diesel fuel. Diesel produces efficient and powerful engines for vehicles capable of hauling products and passengers, all while maintaining low costs. Electric vans, however, are increasing in popularity, and the benefits of electric vehicles go beyond environmental sustainability.
Diesel Vans
Every van is initially available with a diesel engine. From product availability to the familiarity of the engine itself, diesel vans are held as the current norm for most vans in the U.K.
Offering excellent fuel economy without a real limit on range, diesel vehicles make the most sense for those working in the commercial market. However, there is an environmentally unfriendly side to diesel vans.
CO2 emissions associated with diesel fuel are incredibly high, as are other particulate emissions. Diesel is the current norm, but the shift in commercial vehicles is also present in the U.K.
Electric Vans
As the world continues to focus more attention on environmental sustainability, electric vehicles have been pushed to the forefront of transportation options. While most commercial vehicles have previously operated under diesel fuel, electric vans are on the rise. Amazon, for example, has recently boosted its use of electric vans in the U.K., pushing more than 1,800 electric vans into its delivery fleet.
While more development is needed as far as electric vans go, the range of size, style, and shape for the vans is promising thus far. Electric vans are low on emissions, operating under some of the newest technology available. They also offer low running and maintenance costs, making them the ideal vehicle of the future for commercial lines.
Choosing Between Diesel and Electric
There are several considerations when selecting the right van for your business.
Environmental Impacts
The burning of fossil fuels and the impact of carbon emissions on environmental sustainability efforts varies greatly between diesel and electric vehicles. Burning more than other vehicles, diesel vans are the worst for producing nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
Looking to the future of environmental sustainability, electric vehicles are the way to go. Look at where the electricity comes from for your next commercial electric van. Fossil fuels are still associated with generating electricity, but the use of renewable electricity is possible for some electric vehicles. Researching your options for vans for your business is important in this respect.
Financial Standing
Take a look at your financial position while choosing between a diesel van or an electric van for your business. What makes the most sense for your business financially?
Given the cost of diesel fuel, electric vans are generally cheaper to maintain than diesel vans. More efficient engines, a lower tax rate (based on electricity), and road tax exemptions make electric vans a more appealing option for businesses looking to operate commercial vehicles at a lower cost.
Driving Range
Consider the mileage you might put on your vehicle of choice for your business. What kind of range does your business vehicle require? How often will you be using the vehicle?
Knowing the driving range of business tasks and how that compares to your vehicle options is an important consideration. While electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly and a low-cost option for businesses, they come with the downside of low-range mileage. Electric vehicles typically offer a range of around 100 miles (sometimes lower depending on the load your van is carrying), so if your business requires longer trips without frequent charges, you may need to look into a diesel van.
Weight Limits and Payloads
Hauling products or passengers might be part of your daily business operations and is something to think about when choosing between an electric van or a diesel van.
Even though they are equipped with the latest and greatest technology, electric vehicles have added weight due to that technology load. This reduces the load that you can carry. Standard license holders, however, are licensed to operate electric vehicles weighing up to 4,350kg instead of the standard 3,500kg limit.
Choose Van Leasing for Your Business Transportation Needs
Driving a new van for less with a plan built for you is as simple as choosing Van Leasing.
Since 1992, our team has provided small business owners with a simple and low-cost way to get on the road and on the map with a new van. A critical element to running a business and making a living, our vehicles allow clients to earn as you lease with VanMiles and other rewards.
If you and your company are looking for business van leasing or short-term leasing options, contact us or apply online today for approval in less than a day and access to the best van deals.