Top 5 of the best electric utility vehicles
With the arrival of electric vehicles, road users will be able to use a utility vehicle punctually. However, the choice of this category of vehicles is important for several professions and artisans.
The development of electric engines will lead to the end of new thermal vehicle sales. Thus, the market for electric utility vehicles will be booming in the coming years.
What is an electric utility vehicle
As its name suggests, electric utility vehicles are primarily electric vehicles that are essentially aimed at usefulness. Thus, these are vehicles whose total authorized weight in charge must remain below 3.5 tons.
Furthermore, they must not exceed 2.55 meters in width. Generally, utility vehicles are driven by professionals, and they serve to circulate bulky goods. They also serve to transport equipment intended for work or repairs.
An electric car’s main specificity is its electric engine. This engine does not run on gasoline or diesel like thermal engines. Thus, the traction is ensured by 100% electric energy. It comes from a battery placed inside the vehicle and connected to its engine. That’s why this battery must be regularly recharged with electricity to deliver the necessary energy.
From this basic characteristic, several other specificities follow, such as:
- Electric vehicles do not have a gearbox. Thus, the electric engine can perform several thousand revolutions per minute without difficulty and deliver optimal torque from the start;
- Electric vehicles are very silent and odorless (no hydrocarbon combustion)
- Electric vehicles do not emit CO2 or particles into the atmosphere.
Since these vehicles are utility vehicles and also electric vehicles, they benefit from particular advantages. If you are wondering why buy an electric utility vehicle, the following should answer your question.
What are the advantages of an electric utility vehicle?
Indeed, owning an electric vehicle offers economic advantages not to be overlooked. And among these advantages, we can distinguish:
The maintenance cost
It is a vehicle that is less costly to maintain. Because some components, like the oil tank or filters that sometimes need to be replaced, are absent.
Thus, the risk of vehicle failure is decreased, allowing more peace of mind for the vehicle’s usage duration.
The usage cost of an electric vehicle is lower than a thermal vehicle. Generally, for an average distance of 100km traveled, the usage cost is about 2€. On the other hand, the average cost for a 100km distance is 8.9€ for diesel vehicles and 11.55€ for gasoline vehicles.
In general, the possession cost of an electric vehicle is a net advantage compared to a thermal vehicle.
Tax incentives for electric utility vehicles
Indeed, the use of electric utility vehicles by companies also offers certain fiscal advantages, namely:
- Reduction of the company vehicle tax (TVS),
- Moreover, if the vehicle emits less than 110g of CO2 per kilometer, it will be exempt from TVS for 2 years. Thus, this type of advantage facilitates participation in the advantageous “zero-emission” tax system.
- Additionally, there are tax incentives granted when purchasing an electric utility vehicle.
- Regional aids are set up to promote acquisition,
- Ecological bonuses and a conversion premium. However, the conversion premium applies to new or used vehicles. On the other hand, the premium differs depending on traffic restrictions.
Indeed, electric utility vehicles guarantee long-term access in all municipalities without constraints. The new rules implemented in certain zones aim to reduce emissions. That’s why some areas want to ban access to thermal vehicles to allow only electric vehicles. For example, low-emission zones (LEZ), air protection zones (APZ), or restricted traffic zones (RTZ).
Additionally, to encourage electric vehicle use in cities, some offer free parking to users of this type of vehicle.
Improved driving comfort with an electric utility vehicle
Indeed, the comfort of electric vehicles in use is an undeniable asset. The electric engine emits almost no noise. Thus, the continuous hum present in thermal cars is eliminated. Moreover, it removes the vibrations felt when driving thermal cars.
A convenience when driving an electric vehicle is the replacement of manual transmission with automatic transmission. Thus, it prevents the driver from having to change gears or downshift to allow smooth and simplified driving.
Top 5 electric utility vehicles
1- Fiat e-Ducato
In the ranking of utility vehicles with the greatest range, the Fiat e-Ducato is at the top. It announces up to 370 km of range thanks to its 79 kWh battery with a 10-year warranty or 220,000 km mileage.
There is another model equipped with a 47 kWh pack. It offers an 8-year warranty or 160,000 km and offers 235 km in the WLTP cycle. It has up to four charging options compatible with the vehicle. They are equipped with an intelligent socket adapted to alternating current or direct current configurations. Additionally, the e-Ducato has a 90 kW/122hp electric motor announcing 280 Nm of torque.
2 – Ford e-Transit
New generation electric utility vehicles aimed to be more efficient than their predecessors, as evidenced by the Ford e-Transit. Thus, the first deliveries in Europe took place during 2022. The powerful electric utility vehicles display 198 kW/269 hp for 430 Nm of torque.
Furthermore, they are equipped with a 67 kWh battery promising up to 350 km of range according to the WLTP protocol. The peculiarity of this electric utility vehicle is that it offers the Pro Power Onboard device. This device allows powering tools. These tools can be drills or phones. It has a 230 V socket for a maximum power of 2.3kW.
3 – Toyota Proace Electric
Indeed, it operates on an identical platform to Stellantis group electric utility vehicles. The Toyota Proace Electric shines for its exceptional performance under the floor. It was awarded the title of “Utility Vehicle of the Year 2021” at the Automobile and Business Trophies. It consists of two batteries:
- One of 50 kWh with 230 km range
- The other of 75 kWh with 330 km range.
It has an 11 kW charger for accelerated charging in alternating current on a three-phase network that is available. However, quick charging is done up to 100 kW via a Combo connector.
4 – Peugeot e-Traveller
Still at Stellantis, the Peugeot e-Traveller is one of the best electric utility vehicles dedicated to zero-emission passenger transport. Thus, the minivan is equipped with an electric motor. This electric motor has a power of 100 kW/136hp and 260 Nm of torque for a maximum speed of 130 km/h. In addition, it comes with three driving modes, namely:
- Eco limiting with a power of 60 kW,
- Normal for 80 kW of power
- Power which increases the engine’s capabilities to its maximum of 100 kW.
Just like the other electric utility vehicles of the group, the e-Traveller offers users two battery choices:
- 50 kWh with 230 km range
- 75 kWh for 330 km range.
5 – Mercedes eCitan
Set for sale in the second half of the year, the eCitan features a 102 hp / 75 kWh engine and 245 Nm of torque. It has a battery with a capacity of 44 kWh, allowing it to go up to 285 km without needing to be recharged. Charging can be done on a 11 kW or 22 kW station in alternating current on a three-phase network. The Combo connector allows the use of a super charger that can go up to 75 kW of power in direct current.
Ultimately, electric utility vehicles arouse interest for their responsible use. They allow integration into the energy transition by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, acquiring a fleet of electric utility vehicles is a strategic choice for companies in terms of maintenance costs. But also for their possession, circulation, and access to certain restricted areas.
The implementation of Low Emission Zones by 2025 will have an impact. Indeed, it will have a significant impact on the use of utility vehicles in city centers. From that date, polluting automobiles will no longer be able to access cities with more than 150,000 inhabitants. Since these cities have introduced traffic restrictions. Companies that do not adopt zero-emission vehicles will experience a productivity drop. Thus, it is crucial to consider ecological transition now.
Buying a small electric utility vehicle for practicality and comfort
For environmental protection and limiting CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, buying an electric car is an excellent idea. If you are a professional working in goods transport, getting an electric utility vehicle is a good idea. Do not hesitate to consult an online comparison of electric utility vehicles to find a model that suits your needs and purchasing power.
For transporting people and goods, maintaining green spaces, and necessary transportation and travel operations on an industrial site, a small electric utility vehicle is an excellent choice. The question is then: what is the best small electric utility vehicle?
Opt for a robust and 100% electric utility vehicle with a payload of around 1,200 kg and an average length of 1.2 meters. Thus, you have the right to a vehicle that easily maneuvers in narrow areas while offering reasonable storage volume.
Choose a small electric utility vehicle with a useful residual load of more than 1 ton and a road traction force of more than 1.4 tons. This is important for comfort when transporting people and goods. Moreover, choose a small electric utility vehicle with a battery offering an autonomy of 230 km or more. Ensure that the electric utility vehicle of your choice has a charger with an intelligent socket allowing the battery to be charged by alternating current or direct current.
