Efficient Vans: A Best Practice Guide to Cost - Transport Cafe

Efficient Vans: A Best Practice Guide to Cost-effective Van Use
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Electricity
The Fuel
Electricity attracts no fuel duty. The drives
for electric vehicles consist simply of a
rechargeable battery (usually lead acid,
nickel metal hydride or lithium-ion), which
stores electrical energy and is coupled to
an electric motor that powers the vehicle.
This combination is far more efficient than
internal combustion engine power.
Vehicles
This technology is currently available in a number of vans. Battery management is
important, but no more so than checking the oil in a diesel engine. In addition, the
batteries may be leased, thereby bypassing some maintenance issues.
Environment
Electric vehicles produce zero emissions where they are being used. However, as they
draw electricity from the electricity supply network, there are associated emissions from
electricity generation. These are still significantly less than those from diesel fuelled
engines and some electricity suppliers will guarantee renewable sources for power
generation.
Cost
Purchase costs are high, but savings accumulate from the first day of running. In
addition, electric vehicles are exempt from the London Congestion Charge and vehicle
excise duty and have other company tax benefits.
Recharging
This is normally undertaken at the operators’ premises overnight. The majority of
electric vehicles available have a range of up to 100 miles on an overnight charge.