Ford Pro’s ecosystem of electric vans, combined with charging solutions, uptime service and management software, is already supporting many small businesses across Europe as they move towards electrification
Small businesses in Europe could save €14,000 over three years by choosing an electric van. This difference is primarily due to the lower cost of charging it compared to refueling a petrol or diesel vehicle with liquid fuel, as well as lower maintenance costs, thus offering significant savings to businesses in five major markets.
The above are the main findings of a study commissioned by Ford Pro, which is entitled The Economics of Commercial Van Usage Across Europe 2024. This study was published by the Center for Economic and Business Research based on a study of 1,000 businesses in Europe.
According to the research, electric vans pay for themselves within three years – the length of a typical finance program – thanks to their lower operating costs. This reduction in overall operating costs is expected to be particularly beneficial to small businesses, with the latter beginning to recognize the significant benefits that electric vans offer today following the example of businesses with more resources and larger fleet of cars.
“Europe’s economy is based on small businesses and their adoption of electric vans is the next important step in its electrification. A number of small businesses have already made a successful start on this journey, with Ford Pro ensuring we have the electric vans and services to support them,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.
From the moment a small business first begins to consider electrification, Ford Pro provides support to make the transition process as easy as possible. The E-Switch Assist tool helps customers quickly assess based on their vehicle workload which vehicles in their existing fleet are most suitable for replacement with electric models. Since the launch of the E-Switch Assist tool, Ford Pro customers in Europe have evaluated 50,000 of their existing vehicles using the software to identify the best opportunities to electrify their fleet.
Electric vans provide many opportunities for small businesses to minimize costs from the moment they leave the business premises. This is mainly achieved through lower charging costs compared to refueling a petrol or diesel vehicle. With the help of Ford Pro Charging software, customers also have the option to schedule charging at times of low electricity demand, thereby further reducing costs.
On top of that, electric vans have a simpler mechanical structure compared to diesel vehicles, which translates into reduced maintenance needs. Ford Pro estimates that maintenance and repair costs for the electric E-Transit are 40% lower than those of equivalent diesel models.
Overall, small businesses account for 99% of the total in the EU. According to the Center for Economic and Business Research’s electrification report, businesses in France can benefit even more as switching to an electric van could save up to €19,000. These savings result from factors such as the small price difference of electric vans compared to models with a thermal engine (including government subsidies), as well as the lower depreciation of the former. In addition, in France there is a relatively large discrepancy between the costs for electricity and liquid fuels, which increases the potential for savings in the case of using an electric van vehicle.
Businesses in Spain can save up to €16,000, while in the UK this benefit can reach €14,000, in Italy €12,000 and in Germany €11,000. In these five markets, the average savings that can be achieved amounts to 14,000 euros. In addition, further benefit can be achieved by exempting businesses from the cost of accessing more and more low-emission zones for their vehicles.
Advantages in real conditions
Among the many small businesses in Europe already benefiting from the cost-effective electrification offered by the Ford Pro is delivery company France Alliance 56. When the latter started delivering parcels in France’s Morbihan region, it was using diesel-powered vans. Today, it offers its services with a fleet of electric E-Transit powered by Ford Pro’s innovative charging solutions.
The transition to electric vans has led to a reduction in energy costs of over 80%, with the associated costs being limited to just €3 for every 100km, compared to €18 to €20 previously required with a diesel van. According to France Alliance 56, this significant cost saving was achieved very easily.
“On the way back drivers can recharge their vans very easily. Within 10 seconds they have exited the cab, reached the charging point and plugged in their van for charging. It simply cannot be done. The software is user friendly. I can monitor each vehicle and its remaining range. We see a significant advantage,” said Willy Le Gouellec, director of France Alliance 56.
Small businesses in urban areas have the potential to further benefit from the use of electric vans as they gain access to Europe’s low emission zones. These zones today number over 350 and cover over 80 million citizens, including all EU capitals.
A typical example is El Rastro, the oldest shopping district in the city of Madrid, which is located in a low emission zone. The merchants’ association, known as Asociacion de Comerciantes Nuevo Rastro Madrid, as well as the Cebada market, which also belongs to this area, now have access to a shared Ford E-Transit van, which replaces the previous vehicles, including diesel ones . The sharing of the electric van is part of Ford Pro’s pilot program called Rastro Electricity by Ford, which is being implemented in collaboration with the City Council of the City of Madrid, helping local merchants not only save costs but also benefit from additional benefits .
Manuel González, president of the Asociación de Comerciantes Nuevo Rastro Madrid, said: “The savings were significant, around 50%. But the benefits go beyond fuel savings. Because the vans are electric, we can now operate without paying fees. Seeing the advantages and ease of use, more and more people want to use the electric van.”
Marta González, Cebada market manager, says: “Since we are in the center of Madrid’s low emission zone, we had concerns that we would not be able to offer our customers an efficient home delivery service. This problem has been solved thanks to E-Transit.”
Source: Skai
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