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You may be concerned that an electric van might not have the range you need for your day-to-day business needs. That’s why we have compiled a detailed list that answers some frequently asked questions, if you need further assistance please don't hesitate to contact us.
We know that not every business is ready to make the move to electric just yet. That's why we're here to offer all the help and support you need, so that when the time comes, you'll be best equipped to choose the van that's right for you.
All Rygor Mercedes Van showrooms are set up to offer test drives and our sales executives are available to discuss any needs or concerns you might have.
Mercedes have also developed the EQ Ready app to help you test if going electric is right for you.
What are the advantages of electric vans?
Electric vans are generally considered to be better for the environment in terms of emissions, because they don’t produce any CO2 or NOX local emissions when the vehicle is being driven.
Electricity costs less than diesel fuel, making electric vans far cheaper to run per mile. Also, electric vans are exempt from congestion charges and with many major cities including London becoming low emission zones, this could add up to a considerable cost saving.
Electric vans have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles. They’re not as hard on their brakes due to regenerative braking, which uses the eVito's motor to convert the energy normally lost when decelerating, back into stored energy in the battery. Ultimately, this makes them cheaper and easier to maintain.
With automatic transmission and quiet engines, electric vans offer a different kind of driving experience with instant acceleration and no gearshifts, making it feel more effortless.
The batteries of Mercedes-Benz electric vans are stored in the underbody of the vehicle, so the load space remains the same as our diesel Vito van
Grants, schemes and exemptions
The government is helping subsidise the transition to electric with financial benefits that help towards both the purchase price and operating costs. The OZEV grant gives businesses up to 35% off the purchase price* of an electric van (N1), up to a maximum of £5,000. There are also reduced tax bills for drivers, no company car tax for electric vehicles, exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and increased rates for capital allowance claims.
Electric vans are also exempt from ULEZ charges, and the Government budget for local authorities increased to £20m in 2022/2023 under the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme – funding up to an additional 3,600 charge points.
Q. Are electric vans right for every business?
The latest generation of electric vans, including the eVito 66kWh, are now offering greater battery range with faster recharging – so more and more businesses are suitable for switching to an electric van.
Our electric vans are very effective at operating in urban or suburban areas, where there’s a need to cut emissions and congestion. They are most suited to businesses that have fairly predictable routes or operate within a defined area – however, the increased range and faster charging of vehicles such as the eVito 66kWh and the eVito Tourer, make them suitable for a wider range of businesses.
When deciding on electric vans, businesses need to consider the practicalities of installing charging ports, as well as the impact of extra battery weight. They also need to think carefully about whether an electric van would suit their average range, which is why we've developed the EQ Ready App – a simple tool which allows businesses to analyse their typical driving routes and assess whether an electric van is right for them.
Q. Will the range be enough for my business?
We know that not every business is ready to make the move to electric just yet. That's why we're here to offer all the help and support you need, so that when (or if) the time comes, you'll be best equipped to choose the van that's right for you. Rygor is all set up to offer test drives and discuss any needs or concerns you might have, and Mercedes have developed the EQ Ready app to help you test whether going electric is right for you.
The EQ Ready App found 96% of all recorded journeys were shorter than 100km (62 miles)* – less than the WLTP combined range of every one of our electric vans. All Mercedes-Benz electric vans have four recuperation modes which recover energy while your vehicle is decelerating – enabling you to preserve battery life and get the very most out of your electric van’s range
*Mercedes-Benz research analysed 1.6 million journeys anonymously on the EQ Ready app and 96% of all journeys were shorter than 62 miles (100km).
Q. Will the range of an electric van give me what I need each day?
Our electric vans offer ranges between 92–221 combined WLTP miles, depending on the model you choose – and according to Mercedes-Benz research, that’s more than the average business covers in a day.
Plus, with features like Economy Plus mode to help you maximise range and rapid DC charging to get you from 10-80% in 30-120 minutes, you might be surprised at how far an electric van can go.
Q. I’m worried it will take too long to charge any electric van.
The time it takes to charge your van depends on multiple factors, including the model you choose, as well as the type of charger – but it can take as little as 30-120 minutes to get from up to 80% with rapid DC charging.
Of course, if you have a charger installed at home or at work, it’s easy to plug your van in overnight or even between call-outs.
If you’re out and about, there are over 38,500 public charging stations in the UK – in fact, you’re never more than 3.8 miles away from one on average. Plus, you can use your Mercedes PRO connect app to see live battery and range updates, so you won’t get caught out.
Q. Do electric vans hold their value?
Recent years have seen both electric and hybrid vehicles start to retain their value better, as more makes and models enter the market and customers start to understand the benefits.
All Mercedes-Benz electric vans include an 8-year battery warranty, ensuring that the long-term residual value of the vehicle is protected. Additionally, the entire range shares the same build quality and commitment to precision as conventional models – including guarantees such as the 3-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Q. Am I better waiting until the technology is more advanced?
Technology is improving rapidly - batteries are becoming more efficient, extending the range - and the total cost of ownership of an electric van vs a traditional van can be considerably less, thanks to the savings electric affords over the life of the vehicle.
New diesel and petrol vans will no longer be on sale in 2030, and the transition to electric is accelerating fast – so more businesses are taking the idea of switching seriously. Our aim, as a business, is to achieve 50% of our sales through electric vans by 2025, and the eVito 66kWh will have a big part to play in this.
A flexible eReady finance package allows businesses to swap to newer, potentially more efficient, Mercedes-Benz vans as they are introduced to market, allaying any fears around investing in technology that could quickly become obsolete. It also allows businesses to review their options after as little as 12 months if the van isn’t working for them.
Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help. So please feel free to contact us.
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