Forthcoming advances in electric vehicles (EVs) are the focus of a new white paper by the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Called “The Future of Electric Vehicle Technology”, it has been written by battery electrochemist Euan McTurk, creator and presenter of Plug Life Television, a YouTube channel about EVs. It covers topics including diversification of battery chemistries, longer-range … [Read more...]
CV News
E-vans myths’ exposed
With the government laying out its Net Zero Strategy1 to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy by 2050, fleet owners and van drivers are feeling the pressure to make the switch to EVs. In fact, Vansdirect has spotted searches for ‘how much are electric vans’ are up by 100% over the last three months, while searches for ‘best electric vans’ have increased by 24% in the same … [Read more...]
Van sales soar but drive must be with EVs
Following the best February performance in 26 years experienced by the new light commercial van market, it is positive to see that the market has continued this trend with another month of growth, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association commenting on the latest SMMT’s new van registration figures. "March witnessed a significant surge in fleet renewal … [Read more...]
Tradelines 20 March
INEOS Automotive has launched a five-seat double cab Chassis variant of the Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up, aimed at specialist vehicle converters and commercial body builders worldwide. Developed in tandem with the Quartermaster pick-up, the Chassis Cab is engineered to deliver a class-leading combination of off-road capability and load-carrying versatility, with the comfort, safety, refinement … [Read more...]
Van drivers carry heavier risks and penalties
Getting behind the wheel of a van can be tough, especially when you're not used to, or aware of the handling changes and travel restrictions that come with larger vehicles. Although cars and vans may be similar in mechanics, they do differ in handling and manoeuvrability. So, if you're looking to get behind the wheel of a larger vehicle, it's important to be aware of these differences to keep … [Read more...]
EV van makers ‘misrepresent’ real range, says trade body
Van drivers are being misled over the true range of their new electric models, says a trade body. A better labelling system for the range of electric vans is becoming “critical to adoption”, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. The organisation first highlighted the inadequacies of the existing WLTP figures last year and, says chair Paul Hollick, this winter has only made the problem … [Read more...]
Look after your van to look after your business
Vans are often a mission-critical asset for businesses, so it’s important to keep them on the road. From accidents to breakdowns, unplanned downtime can be disruptive and costly – so here are some hints to help reduce those risks. Allow time for daily checks Fleets operate some of the UK’s hardest-working vehicles. According to the latest BVRLA data, the average mileage for a new personal … [Read more...]
Fleets looking at hydrogen after ev issues arise
Some fleet operators are starting to “take hydrogen seriously” as a fuel option because of issues they have encountered in operating electric vans, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair at the organisation, said that the forthcoming arrival of the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen – really the first practical hydrogen-powered panel van available in quantity in the UK – was … [Read more...]
Tradelines 31 January
Specialist motor insurance loss adjuster Claims Management & Adjusting says new Office for National Statistics figures showing an 8% annual increase in vehicle thefts are shockingly unsurprising. According to the ONS’s latest Crime Survey for England and Wales instances of “theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle” increased from 122,423 in the year October 2021 to September 2022, to … [Read more...]
Next Government must invest in hydrogen fuel
The new government that the UK is likely to see in 2024 should be pressured by fleets to deliver a more effective hydrogen van strategy, says FleetCheck. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, said there was huge potential for hydrogen as a factor in future fleet zero emissions strategies for light commercial vehicles, and much more needed to be done to support its … [Read more...]