According to figures from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), electric vans accounted for around 10.2% of all newly registered light commercial vehicles in Germany in 2021. In 2020, this share was around 6.7% and in 2019 around 3.3%. However, there are regional differences and the share can vary depending on the federal state and city. In some regions, particularly in urban areas, the proportion of electric vans tends to be higher. The Federal Motor Transport Authority's figures for 2022 have not yet been published. However, it can be assumed that the positive trend of recent years has also continued for electric light commercial vehicles, as in the all-electric or hybrid passenger car segment.
Advantages of electric vans
No wonder, as electric vans are an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel or petrol vans in the company fleet. They already cost less per kilometer than comparable diesel models, produce no emissions and therefore do not contribute to air pollution. Electric vehicles are generally cheaper to maintain as they do not require expensive maintenance or repairs and use electricity as an energy source, which is generally cheaper than fossil fuels. In addition, the ranges increase and companies can thus avoid the impending entry bans for diesel vehicles in city centers. In addition to the environmental and cost benefits, electric vans also offer greater efficiency in city traffic. As they have greater acceleration and a lower weight, they can navigate faster and more efficiently through city traffic. This can help to shorten delivery times and increase the efficiency of the company fleet.
Funding programs make the switch easier for companies
With attractive subsidies, emission-free commercial vehicles are also made economically competitive and the purchase for companies has been subsidized since 2021 with a 1.6 billion program from the federal government. These funding measures include the "Overall concept for climate-friendly commercial vehicles" of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and is expected to end in this form in 2024. The same funding rate is currently granted for up to 80 % of the additional investment costs for the purchase of electric vans and for the charging infrastructure. In addition to the European vehicle class M1 (passenger cars with max. 8 seats without driver's seat) or special vehicles (N1-N3), this also applies to classes L2e and L5e to L7e, i.e. so-called light vehicles. The amount of funding differs between commercially active companies and the non-commercial sector. Regional subsidy programs may also apply. For example, if a company orders a new e-Vito from Mercedes-Benz, which costs around €12,000 more than the same model with a combustion engine, the additional costs may well be fully covered by the subsidy programs and the BAFA premium. Provided that the vehicle is not sold within the next 24 months. However, electric vans will prevail in the long term even without subsidy programs due to all their advantages over combustion engines.
Logistics without emissions thanks to solar-powered electric transporters
In order for around one third of road freight transport mileage to be replaced by alternative drive systems by 2030, as the BMVD formulates the climate protection targets in the "Overall concept for climate-friendly commercial vehicles", the necessary energy should of course also come from sustainable sources. This is why not only the purchase of electric vans for a company fleet is being promoted, but also their operation by the GHG quotathe acquisition of a company-owned Charging infrastructure and generating our own electricity from photovoltaic systems. This means that electricity is generated exactly where it is needed, making a sustainable transport transition and the goal of climate neutrality by 2045 a reality.
In summary, electric vans are an attractive option for companies that want to be more environmentally friendly and at the same time save costs in the long term. Electric vans offer numerous advantages, such as a lower environmental impact, lower operating costs and greater efficiency in urban traffic. CUBE CONCEPTS and its extensive partner network will be happy to advise you on all aspects of electric vans, e-mobility, charging infrastructure and photovoltaic systems for companies.