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Last updated: 15 July 2024
What are the best electric work vehicles for your trade business?
When you’re thinking about getting a new work vehicle, you may want to consider the best electric vans and cars too. Save money in the long term and help the environment at the same time.
Why should you switch to electric?
Quite simply, because everyone will. The sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles is going to be phased out by 2035. That means that the UK will gradually be changing all vehicles to electric or hybrid.
To help your trade business stay ahead of the curve, you may want to think about the best electric work vehicles already.
Doing your research and looking around means you have more info to hand. When it comes to getting a new van or car, before long you’ll need to consider electric for your work vehicle.
Better for the planet as well as better for your company, an electric van or car may be just what you need. There is often a higher price tag initially, but much lower running costs.
Like all companies, trades need to consider a more sustainable business practice. Choosing to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) is just one part of that journey.
Thinking about a new work vehicle?
Whatever you pick, you will save money by becoming a Checkatrade member
What vehicles do you have already?
If your business has a car, then likely you’ll want to get another car. If you use a van for your trade, then you’ll probably want another van.
What you use already for your trade business will ultimately influence your next acquisition choice. After all, there’s no point getting a small hatchback if you’re regularly carrying materials and power tools!
Think about what you need for your business:
What are the best electric company cars? Such as for surveys or smaller trade jobs?
What are the best electric vans? In terms of space or range?
The right work vehicle needs to meet your needs. Sometimes the right tool for the job is the right vehicle!
The best electric work vehicles will meet your needs for**:**
Tasks carried out
Space inside
Number of seats
Range
Affordability
Running costs
Efficiency
Charging time
Certainly something to consider is a massive upfront saving. For example, Checkatrade members can save 10% off the new eVito panel van.
What are the most efficient electric cars?
Unlike petrol or diesel, working out the most efficient electric car is not based on miles per gallon (MPG). Arguably it’s the longest distance you can travel and the shortest time for a full charge.
How far on average can you travel with electric? As with standard fuel cars, distance is affected by a number of other factors, such as speed and weather conditions.
What’s the range like?
Although many available cars average around 200 miles range for a full charge, development of electric car technology means there are now a number of models that can go much further.
According to Top Gear, the longest range electric car in 2023 is the Lucid Air Grand Touring car, which can manage up to 516 miles from a single charge. There aren’t many of them in the country however.
Probably the best electric car for business in the UK would be something like the Mercedes EQS. That has a range of over 400 miles, meaning a road trip from London to Edinburgh should be possible on a single charge.
What cars are the best?
There are many variables to consider, but these are what we think are some of the best electric company cars:
Mercedes EQS
BMW i4 eDrive40
Hyundai Kona Electric
Volkswagen ID.3
Audi Q4 e-tron
Skoda Enyaq iV
Nissan Leaf
Thinking about a new work vehicle?
Whatever you pick, you will save money by becoming a Checkatrade member
What are the best electric vans?
If a car is too restrictive for your trade business, then you’ve probably got a reliable van. Or vans. Quite a number of trades across the UK have more than one work vehicle.
Whether you’re looking to buy or lease a new work van, an electric van is definitely an option to consider. Especially with the knowledge that petrol and diesel will eventually be phased out.
Size considerations don’t need to be factored in. These days, electric work vehicles have the same capacity of space, so if you need to fit ladders, power tools, materials or parts, you can still fit them in the back of your trusty work van.
What’s the range like?
If you do long miles – bear in mind that range for a full charge is often less than a full tank of fuel.
The longest range electric van may not necessarily be what your business needs though. Able to do 245 miles on a single charge, the Renault Zoe Van is a compact alternative. It can carry some supplies and tools, but in terms of space, is certainly nothing like the ever-popular Ford Transit.
What vans are the best?
Like electric cars, there are many variables to consider when you’re looking for the best electric vans. But these are some of our favourites.
Mercedes eVito
Ford E-Transit
Vauxhall Combo-e
Maxus eDeliver3
Fiat E-Ducato
Renault Master E-Tech
Peugeot e-Partner
Toyota Proace Electric
FAQs
Are electric cars good for company cars?
Quite simply, yes. In future years, all new vehicles will be electric or hybrid, so now is a good time to get ahead of the curve and start adopting new technologies.
The best electric company cars are ones that provide comfort, mileage, low running costs, and that look good with company branding on them too!
Are company electric car schemes worth it?
Salary sacrifice car schemes exist and allow people to pay for an EV from gross salary before tax. It allows your employees to get an EV as a benefit and save on their tax.
Will I pay less tax on an electric company car?
If it is being used by your trade business, all company cars are given a taxable value that is based on CO2 emissions. Those tax levels have been frozen until 2025, and are substantially lower than their petrol or diesel alternatives.
What is the best EV as a company car?
There are so many factors around what makes a good company car, in terms of price, range and running costs. With so many brands now making electric vehicles, the choices are (almost) endless!
What are the best electric work vehicles for trades?
Whether you use a car or a van for your job, simply replacing what you’ve already got is the way to go.
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