Criteria for choosing an electric minivan
Before looking at the models available on the market, let's take a step-by-step look at how to define your needs as precisely as possible, so as to narrow down the list of possible vehicles to the essentials.
Know your needs
What you do affects how you use your vehicle. So it's essential to clearly define your needs. This will enable you to narrow down your choice of models.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What vehicle do I currently own?
- How far do I have to drive my commercial vehicle every day: short distances (less than 100 km/day), medium or long distances (less than 200 km)?
- What type of load should I carry?
- Will I need special fittings for my vehicle?
The first question may seem trivial, but most combustion-powered vehicles have electric counterparts. If this isn't the case, there are certainly equivalents. As for the other questions, the answers will help you identify an electric analogue.
Read also : Fleet and electric vehicles: why and how to speed up the transition?
Selection criteria
NISSAN Leaf
The type of journey you make on a daily basis is crucial in determining therange of your future vehicle.
In general, when it comes to vans, daily range requirements are around 100 km. This is the first obstacle to converting a fleet to electric power, according to thee Journal Ouest France.
Drivers ofelectric commercial vehicles cover an average of around 100 kilometers a day. This need corresponds to the range of electric vehicles on offer. All models on the market offer a range in excess of 100 km, which is compatible with the average journeys made by tradesmen.
Dimensions
Determined by both the type of goods transported and their utility, the dimensions of combustion-powered utility vehicles are similar to those of their electric counterparts.
When you compare models with the manufacturers, you'll regularly come across an annotation called "LH".
This denomination is used for each van, the volume may vary according to the model and therefore the manufacturer. The aim is to give an order of magnitude of the dimensions according to the needs and thus to differentiate the versions of the same range.
- L means length
- H means height
This name is followed by a number from one to three. For a van, the higher the number, the larger the dimension.
For a floor cabinthe greater the length, the greater the volume.
We'll explain why in more detail.
Volumetry and finishes
This is the most decisive criterion, and there are different models on the market: from 3.5 m³ to 20 m³ depending on the make, model and layout.
The goods to be transported and the distance to be covered are essential when choosing an electric van. There are two possible versions:
- The van: the merchandise does not require special precautions and is not very bulky. For example, the Renault Master ZE, available in four sizes: L1H1, L1H2, L2H2, L3H2
- Floor cab This type of vehicle is ideal for transporting large volumes (from 13 m³). This is the case when meat or frozen products are transported in this type of vehicle (this example also requires the fitting out of a cab and refrigeration unit). Renault Master ZE, floor cab version before conversion.
Let's take the caseof a Renault Master, the best-selling electric van in France: available in two versions, three lengths and two heights .
- In the van version: L1H1 represents the smallest volume, while L3H2 represents the largest (L3H3 does not exist for this model). The Renault Master is available in four sizes: L1H1, L1H2, L2H2, L3H2.
- In the floor-cab version, the greater the length and the greater the volume, L1H1 is always the smallest, while L3H1 is the largest. Available in two sizes: L2H1 and L3H1.
| L1 | L2 | L3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
H1 |
8 m³ |
13 m³ |
ST |
|
H2 |
8.5 m³ |
9 m³ |
10.8 m³ |
|
H3 |
- |
- |
- |
Choosing the right model for my business
Depending on each professional's activity, there are several models on the market.
We have sorted electric vans by volume, distinguishing three categories of vehicle size: small, medium and large.
Utilitaires électriques de petite taille (< 4 m³)
Small vans have a volume of less than 4m3 and are small two-seater vans.
| Model | Dimensions | Autonomy | Volumetry | Price (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Renault Kangoo ZE |
L1H1 |
130 km |
3.5 m³ |
23 000 € |
|
Peugeot e-Partner |
L1H1 |
170 km |
3.7 m³ |
25 000 € |
Their autonomy is sufficient for a day's activity with a concentrated radius of action. This is the case for parcel delivery and tradesmen such as plumbers, electricians, etc.
Utilitaires électriques de taille moyenne (< 5 m3)
| Model | Dimensions | Autonomy | Volumetry | Price (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Renault Kangoo Maxi |
L2H1 |
130 km |
4.6 m³ |
27 000 €* |
|
Nissan e-NV200 |
L2H1 |
200 km |
4.2 m³ |
32 990 €** |
* From €23,000 for battery rental
** From €27,000 for battery rental
Medium-sized electric vans have a volume greater than 4 m3 and less than 8 m3.
These are vans whose length and/or height are greater than those of smaller vans. This type of vehicle is ideal for florists and other craft businesses requiring more space.
Large electric vans (>5m3)
| Model | Dimensions | Autonomy | Volumetry | Price (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nissan e-NV200 |
L3H2 |
200 km |
8 m³ |
43 590 € |
|
Renault Master ZE |
L1H1 L1H2 L2H2 L3H2 L2H1 L3H1 |
120 km |
8 m³ |
46 100 € |
|
Man e-TGE |
L3H3 |
170 km |
11 m³ |
55 000 € |
|
Volkswagen e-Crafter |
L3H3 |
170 km |
10.7 m³ |
56 000 € |
Large electric vans are those with a volume of over 5m3.
Autonomy is generally lower: the greater the volume, the greater the impact on the battery. The price is considerably higher for this type of vehicle.
In demand by professionals for last-mile activities, they sometimes require special fittings to be able to carry out their activity.
For example, a refrigerated unit and body: they are more inclined towards large volumes of over 8m3, as the fittings reduce the usable volume area by around 1m3 depending on the layout.
Today, the electric commercial vehicle is an opportunity for professionals, thanks to changing regulations. By 2024, companies with fleets of over 100 vehicles will have to meet a 20% quota for clean passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The aim is for this quota to reach half of all company fleets by 2050.
In addition to ecological issues, there are other challenges for companies: a successful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR ) policy and savings on usage.
On the one hand, the energy transition contributes to the success of the company's CSR policy.
Driving electric vans provides a comfortable ride for drivers, reducing fatigue at the wheel.
On the other hand, electric vans offer considerable savings on running costs, even if they are more expensive to buy.
In terms of parking: parking is free in some cities, particularly metropolises such as Paris.
As far as fuel costs are concerned, for every 100 km driven, the charge will be €2. This compares with €7 for a combustion-powered commercial vehicle.
Finally, the residual value set according to the anticipated demand at the end of the leasing contract(LOA or LLD) will be impacted by the diesel vehicle bans within four years. In accordance with the LOM law, there is no guarantee of the residual value of a diesel commercial vehicle after the application of the restrictions.
