Around 42% of fleet managers in the UK say driving range is their biggest concern when choosing electric vans, according to a new survey by Dawsongroup.
The concern is even higher among smaller fleets, where there is less flexibility to manage disruptions, the company said in its EV readiness survey, Motor Trade News reported.
Simon Ridley, managing director at Dawsongroup vans said many operators assume range will be a major issue. However, he noted that when fleet managers review actual daily usage, most routes fall well within the capabilities of modern electric vans.
Government data shows that the average van in the UK travels less than 50 miles a day, suggesting that typical operations can be handled by current electric models. However, performance can vary depending on factors such as load, route and weather.
The company said motorway driving and heavier payloads tend to reduce efficiency, while city driving with frequent stops can improve it through energy recovery systems.
Ridley said matching vehicles to specific routes, rather than treating all fleet vehicles the same, can improve both efficiency and costs.
He also highlighted the role of driving habits, noting that high speeds and rapid acceleration reduce range, while proper driver training can improve performance.
According to the company, trial runs can help businesses better understand how electric vans perform in real conditions before making wider changes.
Ridley said businesses that take a planned approach and test vehicles first tend to achieve better results and make more informed decisions.
