The new era of electric commercial vehicles is an exciting one but we know you’ll have many questions. Switching to electric is a big decision for any business, so we want to help you understand the full picture.
Not just information about our vans’ capabilities but also to help answer questions about the total cost of ownership and the suitability of electric vans for your business right now.
What are the advantages of Electric Vans?
When it comes to your business, you need to know that you’re making the right choices for efficiency, costs and customer satisfaction. Here’s how going electric can help.
> Eco-friendly
Electric vehicles are better for the environment, because they don’t produce any CO2 or NOx emissions.
> Cheaper to run
Electricity costs less than diesel fuels, making electric vans far cheaper to run per mile.
> Fewer maintenance costs
Electric vans have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, and they’re also not as hard on their brakes, making them cheaper and easier to maintain.
> Smooth to drive
With automatic transmission and quiet engines, electric vans offer a different kind of driving experience with instant acceleration and no gearshifts, making it feel more effortless.
> No compromise on load or capacity
The batteries of electric vans are generally stored in the underbody of the vehicle, so there’s nothing taking up space inside.
> Grants and exemptions
The government is helping subsidise the transition to electric with financial benefits that help towards both the purchase price and operating costs including road tax and congestion charges.
Are Electric Vans more expensive than diesel?
Although electric vans are more expensive to buy than conventional vans, the total lifetime cost is lower, for several reasons.
> Electric vans are cheaper to run
It’s cheaper to charge a vehicle with electricity than it is to fill it with fuel.
> Electric vans are cheaper to maintain
As well as being less prone to general wear and tear, electric vans have fewer working parts than conventional vehicles – so there’s less to maintain overall.
> Government grants lower the cost further
The government Plug-in van grant have changed and now provide a discount of up to 35% of purchase price up to £2,500 for small vans < 2.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight and 35% of purchase price up to £5,000 for large vans 2.5-3.5t – and you also won’t pay for road tax. Business owners can reclaim 75% of the cost of installing up to 20 charging points (up to a maximum of £500 per socket) through the Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme.
What tax benefits are there for businesses with electric vehicles?
As the government seeks to increase the number of electric vehicles on the roads, it’s putting in place a number of incentives for businesses, including reduced tax bills for drivers, no company car tax for electric vehicles, exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and increased rates for capital allowance claims.
What is the long term value of an electric van?
All Mercedes-Benz electric vans include an 8-year battery warranty, ensuring that the long-term residual value of the vehicle is protected. Additionally, the entire range shares the same build quality and commitment to precision as conventional models – including guarantees such as the 3-year unlimited vehicle warranty.
Electric van charging and infrastructure
> Can I charge more than one electric van at a time?
The answer is yes but you will need to install multiple charging points. The latest technology can make the charging process simpler, for example you can monitor the battery charge status, range and completion of charging of each one of your electric vehicles on your mobile or tablet using the Remote eCharging function of Mercedes PRO connect, which comes free for 2 years when you purchase a Mercedes-Benz electric van.
> How long does it take to charge an electric van?
On a dedicated electric charge point, which you can have installed at work or home through a specialist provider, it will take about 4 hours. And at a public charge point, using a DC rapid charger, you can get an 80% charge in 30-40 minutes. At home, on a normal 3-pin plug, it will take around 8 hours to fully charge your electric van.
> What is the difference between AC and DC charging?
Electric batteries can be charged with two kinds of power – alternating current (AC), and direct current (DC). AC power comes from the national grid and is the most common charging method for electric vehicles of all sizes. However, an AC charge needs to be converted into DC charge before the battery can store the power, so it needs to go through a converter inside the vehicle first. DC chargers, on the other hand, are more powerful and provide a much faster, more constant charge.
> Can I charge an electric van using a public charging point?
Public charging points are suitable for electric vans and are a useful way of topping up when you’re out on the move. Our electric vans come with free Mercedes PRO connect software that enables you to locate the most convenient charging stations on your route, optimising your battery range.