Electric vans vs petrol vans vs diesel vans
If you’re replacing a business van, there are plenty of considerations to make. You’ll need to consider costings, van size, payload, and any non-standard features you need for business operations. Before all this, a good place to start is to think about the type of fuel your van will use. This can affect everything from price and running costs to depreciation.
To help support this transition to a new van, we’ve put together a guide which compares petrol vans, diesel vans, and newer electric vans. We’ll look at the different fuel types of vans available to lease and how to make sure they meet your business needs. Whether you’re adding electric vans to your existing fleet for the first time or deciding between traditional petrol and diesel models, Synergy can help.
Electric-powered vans, petrol vans, and diesel vans compared
Considering your new van’s fuel type will help filter through the van lease deals available. Petrol and diesel vans are familiar workhorses, but electric vans are becoming popular alternatives offering unique benefits. Let’s go through some important comparisons to make between electric, petrol, and diesel vans.
Price
Taking into account the price of each van will help determine its affordability and ensure leasing makes financial sense. There is usually a wide range of cheap van lease deals here at Synergy, striking a balance between price and lead time.
Electric vans like the Nissan Townstar and Maxus eDeliver 3 are still relatively new to the market compared to petrol and diesel models. This means they often have higher monthly rentals compared to traditional vans that are more readily available.
However, electric vans still benefit from exclusive discounts and offers, encouraging more businesses to switch to electric. The price of a van lease will depend on your choice of initial rental, contract length and agreed annual mileage. Exclusive deals and offers are subject to change, so we’d suggest speaking with our team for an accurate quote.
Running costs
Fuel and running costs are another vital consideration. If your business relies on commercial transport and covers higher miles, employees need to use more efficient vans. Electric vans can be cheaper to run than petrol or diesel alternatives. They are road tax and congestion charge exempt and can help businesses save money in the long-term.
Charging costs can also be considerably cheaper compared to refuelling. However, this will depend on the size of your van, an electrics van’s battery capacity, and how many miles you’ll cover on average.
Maintenance
Electric vans have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines. This means it should be cheaper to maintain an electric van as there is less to replace if things go wrong. If you lease any van with Synergy, it must be maintained to manufacturer guidelines. We’d suggest paying close attention to a van’s condition throughout the lease as any maintenance will be subjective and depend on the amount of usage.
As business leasing contracts outline, you must evidence regular servicing and only use manufacturer-approved parts. If you want to avoid unexpected maintenance costs, Synergy would recommend opting for an optional maintenance package.
Depreciation
A new van can lose up to 30-40% of its value in the first 3-4 years. This makes leasing an attractive finance option, as businesses aren’t paying towards ownership and taking on van depreciation. It’s worth noting that electric vans still hold residual value well. Despite being a relatively new option, their tax benefits, increased range capabilities, and expanding charger network are making the move to electric more accessible.
Should I consider leasing an electric van?
As electric vans become a common sight on UK roads, you’ll likely be considering one as your next business van. Let’s take a look at some pros and cons of electric van leasing while continuing to compare against existing petrol/diesel alternatives. Choose an electric van to instantly boost your business’s green credentials. You’ll also have access to some unique benefits, which include:
- Free travel in London – London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges drivers £12.50 per day who don’t meet strict emission standards. It’s a scheme that’s likely to be introduced in more towns and cities across the UK. Electric vans are exempt from ULEZ charges because of their zero-emission powertrains.
- Charging accessibility – More investment is being put into the UK’s electric charger network. According to Zap-Map, at the end of January 2024, there were 55,301 public electric charging points across the UK. This means electric charging is more accessible than ever before.
- Charging time and range – Manufacturers are constantly introducing new EV technology and increasing the range of their electric vans. This means their estimates are becoming more accurate, and charging times can be reduced too. Electric vans now average range between 150-200 miles on a single charge.
Should I lease an electric, petrol, or diesel van?
Understanding your business lease requirements will help you choose between an electric, petrol, or diesel van. Van leasing with Synergy can be a great way to support this, allowing you to compare fuel type, budget, payload, and usability. It’s also an affordable, hassle-free way of sourcing your next fleet, with the option of comprehensive fleet vehicle management.
If you’re interested in van leasing, or want support choosing the right van, Synergy can help. Get in touch with our dedicated team today. You’ll have access to special offers, exclusive discounts, and in-stock deals, ensuring you get the best deal possible.
