How to choose the right e-delivery vehicle
As a mobility expert, our job is to enable the transition to more sustainable transportation solutions on the one hand, but mainly facilitate it for Fleet Management. An important part of this shift is the electrification of vans, also known as light cargo vehicles (“Light Commercial Vehicles” or LCVs). Vans play an essential role in modern freight transportation and service delivery.
For example, every day we see vehicles from B-Post, Post NL and others delivering packages in the neighborhood or installers and technicians from various sectors making their way to their destinations. And precisely because these vehicles are not just a means of transportation, but indirectly generate revenue for the employer, electrifying these vehicles potentially has an even greater benefit. When considering the electrification of vans, however, there are several crucial aspects to consider.
Use and stop times:
The usage time of commercial vehicles has 2 main parameters that are important in their efficient deployment. First, we look at the times when drive time occurs. This can vary for each type of business. For example, package delivery drivers, as cited as an example earlier, are more likely to be active during the day and therefore there is time to recharge in the evening and at night. Another typical example is Hello Fresh’s food package delivery drivers, who deliver mainly in the evening. On the other hand, the time (and therefore distance) of a journey is also a parameter that we should take into account in the analysis. For example, the vehicle travels an average of 50 kilometers interrupted by stop times longer than 15 minutes. A very different application from, say, a vehicle that travels trajectories averaging 100 kilometers or cannot recharge in between.
Each application therefore requires a different approach, in which time-of-use will play a role in the choice of vehicle and also in providing charging infrastructure and calculating charging times.
Charging infrastructure:
Implementing a strategic network of charging facilities is vital to successful fleet electrification. Charging stations should be strategically placed in locations where delivery vehicles regularly pass or stop. This can be at distribution centers, headquarters parking lots and other hubs of activity. Thus, applying efficient usage time of the vans requires all the more meticulous planning. DC charging or fast charging at central locations can also increase efficiency and enhance the usability of electric vans. These are all issues that require specific analysis on a company-by-company basis. Another thing that is an important parameter to consider is the times of charging.
Charging during peak hours can lead to higher energy costs, so it is advisable to schedule charging times during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. Setting up smart charging infrastructure that regulates the charging process based on optimal rates and availability can optimize the charging cost per specific application.
Mainly the time-of-use will determine the choice of model and the choice in terms of charging infrastructure
Driving range:
The driving range of the various electric LCVs on the market plays an important role in choosing the best-fit vehicle within the fleet. However, this should not actually consider the total number of miles per day. As mentioned earlier, it is also possible that the vehicles can recharge between the different journeys. As a minimum benchmark, we use a real driving range of 150 kilometers for all commercial vehicles. This does not mean that this vehicle can travel a maximum of 150 kilometers per day and then have to return to the depot, but rather that a maximum continuous driving range of 150 kilometers can be achieved. Thus, when choosing an appropriate LCV in the fleet, it is important to include all parameters in the analysis, taking a broader view of the LCV’s capabilities, purely than just looking at the driving range.
Choice of LCV:
Many companies already have vans in their fleets, and it may be cost-effective to extend the life of these vans rather than purchase completely new electric vehicles. However, this may be for 2 main reasons:
- “The purchase of an electric LCV is too high.”
The list price of electric LCVs, like passenger cars, is still a lot higher than the combustion engine variants. However, the list value is not the only cost of a commercial vehicle in the fleet. Due mainly to the lower consumption costs, but also partly lower taxes, we look more closely at the TCO of the vehicle for this and see that over the entire running time of the vehicle, an e-LCV can be a competitive choice in the right situation.
- “The vehicle needs to be converted for our operations.”
In many cases, commercial vehicles are modified and/or converted to accommodate work or transportation. For example, installation vehicles have a lot of drawers built in or a food transporter’s van needs to have built-in refrigeration. These are certainly things that should be included in the initial analysis. In addition to operating and stopping times, possible charging times and the vehicle’s driving range, the recommended type of vehicle should also meet the fleet manager’s requirements.
Conclusion:
The electrification of vans is a promising step toward sustainable mobility. However, successfully implementing electric vans requires a thorough analysis and strategic approach.
Time-of-use, stop times, location of charging facilities, driving range and van conversion options are all crucial considerations that must be taken into account when making the switch to electrically powered transportation. With the right approach, companies can not only reduce their carbon footprint, but also save costs and make a significant contribution to a cleaner and more sustainable future. We at Stroohm, your partner in electric mobility, would be happy to look at how this step can be taken. Contact one of our e-mobility experts at fleet.services@stroohm.be.
By Matthias Soetewey
Senior EV Expert
Fleet.services@stroohm.be