The Electric Van – Driving You Into the Future

Ever since man invented the wheel, the quest for the perfect fuel to set those wheels in motion has been at the core of every civilization. From animal-drawn carriages (this is where we get the term horsepower, to steam engines. to fossil fuels like petrol and diesel – private and commercial transportation has been evolving so much keeping up seems like a daunting task.

And now with the advent of electric cars, it seems we are at the brink of the space age science fiction writers from decades ago prophesied about.

Though electric cars we limited in power and range in their early stages, and thus limiting this green energy source to smaller cars, the technology used to transform electric energy to kinetic energy that moves vehicles forward is taking great strides.

So much so that electric vans are now taking center stage in the electric vehicle circles.

If you are an advocate for green energy and preserving our planet for future generations, then investing in an electric van will be one of the best decisions you can make in 2018. Let me quickly walk you through 5 advantages that your electric van will bring you before I show you 5 of the best electric vans you can choose from.

The 5 Awesome Advantages of Electric Vans

Although many critics have been disputing the reliability of electric vans because of range anxiety, the limited number of charging stations, deteriorating battery life, and a few other cons.

However, electric vans do have advantages that actually outweigh the cons. Let’s look at a few of them:

Eco-Friendly

This is one of the biggest advantages and selling points of electric vans. Because they don’t pass off greenhouse gases like CO2 and NOx as they move around, they leave a very small footprint on the environment.

The reduced emissions have an immediate impact on that air quality, especially in urban areas where it has improved significantly. And there is no long-term effect on the ozone layer, unlike would be the case with diesel (and even petrol) engines.

Lower Running Costs

Because the design of electric engines features less moving parts, maintenance is easier, and cheaper, than engines powered by fossil fuels. And compared to their more noxious counterparts, the cost of fueling electric vans is also less per mile, making them more economic.

One other economic factor to consider is the fact that electric vans have maintained the same payload as diesel-powered vans, and some, like the Nissan e-NV200, even have a greater payload. This ultimately means transporting goods for business becomes cheaper with an electric van.

Less Noise Pollution

One factor you will love once you purchase your electric van is the way you will find it to run silently. This makes them pleasant to drive for you, and also makes it possible for you to make deliveries at awkward hours that might otherwise raise noise complaints from your customer’s neighbors were you to use a noisy diesel engine.

Excellent Performance – Especially Around Town

One big advantage of an electric motor is that it delivers instant torque. This means they get shifting smoothly and quickly, especially since they come with automatic gearboxes that are optimized to work with the electric motor.

Although outright response decreases at higher speeds, you definitely will enjoy the performance electric vans afford in and around town.

The Cool Factor

Need to look cool? Then an electric van will help you do that because they are not common – yet. Besides, they just have that futuristic and space-age look about them that get heads turning. and if you get one for business, it will definitely boost your image as you will be seen to be socially responsible by investing in a green vehicle.

I’m sure these 5 advantages have you itching to know which are the best electric vans you can choose from in 2018, so let’s get to it, shall we?

The Best Electric Van for You  5 of the Best to Choose From

With the great advancements in technology boosting the performance of electric vans (and pushing prices down too), there’s no reason for you to keep waiting for the perfect moment to invest in an electric van.

Now is the best time, especially with major car makers producing some fabulous vehicles in the past two years, an electric van just has to find itself in your garage, whether for personal or business use.

Here are the top 5 electric vans that you definitely need to consider:

The Nissan e-NV200

  • Load space up to 150 cubic feet
  • Payload 1173lbs – 1550lbs
  • Range 124-187 miles

electric van - Nissan e-Nv200

The Nissan e-NV200 is one of the best electric vans, especially when it comes to range. In 2018, it received a better, more efficient battery that has increased its official average range from 106 miles to 174 miles. That may seem like a small improvement but that 68-mile increase definitely makes a huge difference when you are delivering goods around town, silently and speedily.

Being one of the first electric vans to be tested by the new WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) efficiency standard, the Nissan e-NV200 is definitely a pacesetter. This protocol is designed to give a more representative real-world range of electric vehicles and not merely depend on the manufacturer’s claims.

When put through the WLTP efficiency test, the Nissan e-NV200 was found to have a motorway range of 125 miles per charge while city driving brought it to 188 miles on a single charge.

Speaking of charging, the Nissan eNV200 takes 4 hours to fully charge the battery, so you can sleep easy knowing that by the time you wake up, it will be ready and raring to go.

Very impressive results for an electric van. And if you want to transport people instead of goods, you can get the 7-seater variant Nissan calls the “Combi”.

RATINGS

The Mercedes Benz eVito

  • Load space 212 – 233 cubic feet
  • Payload 2300lbs – 2365lbs
  • Range 90 miles

electric van - Mercedes Benz Evito

Mercedes Benz is a revered brand when it comes to innovative design and engineering that lead to efficient, reliable, and durable vehicles – at a cost of course.

The company joins the electric van foray with the Mercedes Benz eVito. According to the company, the electric version of the famous Sprinter will follow in 2019, dubbed the eSprinter.

The Mercedes Benz eVito will go on sale towards the end of 2018 and will come in 2 body lengths.

With plenty of load space and a decent payload, the eVito will afford you 90 miles of zero-emissions travel on a single charge. That may not be as good as other electric vans like the Nissan e-NV200, but it is enough for the average driver to make their in-town deliveries.

When it comes to charging the Li-ion battery, it takes 45 minutes to bring the battery to 80% using a quick charge system while a conventional wall-box will take 6 hours to bring the battery to full capacity.With a great pedigree to back it up, the Mercedes Benz eVito is certainly a great electric van you will need to consider buying.

RATINGS

The VW eCrafter

  • Estimated load space 388 cubic feet
  • Payload 2204 – 3858lbs
  • Range 99 miles

electric van - The VW eCrafter

After the “Dieselgate” scandal, German car maker VW had to come up with an exceptional way of redeeming their reputation. The VW eCrafter could very well be the lifeline they need.

Looking into the future, VW has decided to ditch their diesel engines in favor of a 100kW electric motor in this electric van, giving it an equivalent of 136hp. That’s definitely more than enough to haul your cargo around town to its final destination.

With a massive 388 cubic feet of load space and a 99-mile range, you can deliver large amounts of cargo efficiently, speedily, and quietly without leaving a footprint on the environment, despite driving a large van.

As for charging, you can bring the battery up to 80% in 45 minutes using a quick-charging station while a home wall-box will give you a 100% charge in 5.5 hours.

Not bad for an electric van. So if you’re considering going green, the VW eCrafter is another exceptional example of how efficient and economic electric vans can be.

RATINGS

The Renault Master ZE

  • Estimated loadspace 282 – 600 cubic feet
  • Estimated payload 2204 – 3858lbs
  • Range 75 miles

electric van - The Renault Master ZE

French carmaker, Renault, is well known for its powerful workhorses, one of which is the Renault Master. The electric iteration of the same vehicle, the Renault Master ZE, is certainly a welcome addition to the electric van segment.

With a massive loadspace and decent enough range of 75 miles on a single charge, the Renault Master ZE is expected to hit the roads in the early part of 2019. You can place your order as early as September 2018 if you want to be one of the early birds.

The massive Renault Master ZE utilizes the same battery pack as its more famous young brother, the Renault Kangoo. The Li-ion battery pack sits where the gearbox is on the fossil-fuel powered Master, making easy to use for day to day deliveries.

As for charging, the 33kWh Li-ion battery takes 6 hours to charge to full capacity using a conventional domestic power supply. This electric van from Europe’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer is bound to tick most, if not all, your boxes as you search for the best electric van available.

RATINGS

Workhorse N-Gen Electric Van

  • Estimated loadspace 450 – 1000 cubic feet
  • Estimated payload 6,700lbs
  • Range 100 miles

electric van - Workhorse N-Gen Electric Van

The Workhorse N-Gen is an electric van designed and manufactured in Loveland Ohio and is making great strides in the electric van space. This electric van is probably one of the cheapest electric vans you can get in the United States. But don’t take that for inferior quality, not at all.

To prove just how safe, reliable, and efficient the Workhorse N-Gen is, it has already supplied UPS (notorious for its high standards when stocking up its fleet) with 1000 units.

The Workhorse N-Gen comes in two variants, 450 and 1000 cubic feet capacity variants. With a range of 100 miles on a single charge, it is easy to make your deliveries and finish your daily tasks before having to head back to your charging station.

Speaking of charging stations, the Workhorse takes approximately 6 hours to reach full capacity on a standard charging system while a quick charging system will take 75 minutes.

This could well be the van of the future brought into the present with all its nifty (and safety) features that include automatic braking and a lane departure warning just to mention a few.

Because of its massive payload and great range, the Workhorse N-Gen gets a perfect 5-star rating. This is probably the best electric van on the market at the moment.

The Electric Van – Revolutionizing Transportation

One of the major advancements in the transportation sector in recent years is the electric van. This revolutionary vehicle is definitely not only going to save the planet but your pocket too – especially if you cover a lot of miles with your van.

So go ahead, take your pick. The future is here and is waiting to give you a ride.

Featured Image: CC0 Public Domain via Canva, with text, banner, and logo added.

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