Arval Tests Real-World Range Of Electric Light Commercial Vehicles

Arval UK announced on May 13, 2021, the results of its review into the real-world range of electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs).

The report from the leasing and fleet management company, a specialist in sustainable mobility, is designed to assist commercial vehicle operators to understand the role of eLCVs in fleet operations.

According to the report, fleet operators should anticipate a real-life range of between 60-70% of the quoted WLTP range figure.

The result comes after the company tested a range of small, medium and large eLCVs in cold weather. The assessments were carried out with three different payloads to establish what were realistic real-world driving ranges. The testing was carried out at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, England.

David Watts, a Senior Consultant with Arval UK, says:

“For fleet operators to be confident that the van won’t run out of electricity, a figure of around 60-70% of the official range should be used in most cases. Obviously there are many variables so fleets will want to use this new data to see what their typical operations will mean for EV range.

“However there are some reassuring points that can be taken on board. What’s clear is that figures for laden eLCVs are comparable with the performance of diesel vans, and that faster speeds don’t necessarily reduce range and using ‘worst case’ winter performance figures should see a positive impact in warmer months.”

Arval says that its eLCV Performance Report is not only the first independent investigation into the impact of temperature on eLCV real-world range, it is also the first independent investigation into the impact of payload on eLCV range. To access the report, visit arval.co.uk/fleettoolbox/elcv-fleet-transition.

Originally posted on Global Fleet Management