The commercial transportation industry is undergoing significant changes, with the transition to electric vehicles becoming a key strategy for companies that prioritize environmental stewardship. Achieving a sustainable future is forcing companies around the world to switch to cleaner technologies, motivating vehicle manufacturers to expand their portfolio of electric commercial vehicles.
Use of electric vehicles in commercial transport
In a dynamic business environment, change is vital. The commercial transport industry is at a turning point where electric vehicles are becoming a central factor in achieving environmentally friendly and cost-effective logistics solutions.
The road to commercial vehicle electrification began with modest goals, balancing payload with battery size to keep overall vehicle weight low. Early examples in the electric commercial vehicle market were models such as the Volkswagen e-Crafter and the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, which had a battery of less than 40 kWh and a range of about 170 kilometers. Such capabilities were suitable for daily routes in the city.
The editor-in-chief of “Auto Bild Lietuva” Witold Miljus points to the gradual electrification of the logistics sector: “We are on the threshold of a major transformation in the world of logistics. It is expected that the innovations seen in such leading countries as Norway will spread throughout Europe, including the Baltics. This change does not mean only the introduction of new vehicle technologies, but the adaptive evolution of the entire logistics chain.”
Advances in battery technology
Constant improvements in battery technology have expanded the functionality of electric commercial vehicles, making them more attractive to businesses. In this regard, Citroën models, such as the ë-Jumpy, are noteworthy, depending on the modification, they can travel up to 330 kilometers on a full charge. This gives companies the ability to run a wider range of urban and intercity transport services without worrying about battery life.
In addition, such an electric commercial vehicle does not affect the payload. “Citroën ë-Jumpy” combines energy efficiency with considerable load-carrying capacity, on par with the diesel versions of this model – important for companies with high transport needs.
Adaptation to colder climates
The already mentioned “Citroën” range of electric cars, including its commercial vehicles, is designed for reliable performance even in winter conditions. This feature is especially relevant in countries such as Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, where winter can be particularly cold.
A major innovation that helps electric cars in cold weather is the heat pump system. This technology efficiently transfers heat by absorbing energy from the outside air, heating it and then using it to heat the interior of the electric car. This process is significantly more energy efficient than traditional heating methods, helping to preserve battery life.
In addition, electric vehicles are equipped with energy-efficient tires that reduce energy loss due to rolling resistance, a vital feature for maintaining performance in cold-weather road conditions.
Importance of electric commercial vehicle in city logistics
Electric minibuses stand out not only for their operating range and payload capabilities, but also for their quiet operation and smooth driving experience. In the Baltic region, the electric vehicle market is showing significant growth, with several new models of electric minibuses expected from leading car manufacturers, including Ford and Volkswagen. This trend underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable vehicle solutions.
In addition, the electric commercial vehicle plays a crucial role in meeting environmental regulations, for example in low-emission zones in big cities, offering a real opportunity for companies operating in historic city centers with strict emission regulations.
Looking to the future, “Auto Bild Lietuva” editor Miljus predicts that electric minibuses will become the most desirable option for urban logistics, citing their operational cost savings, environmental benefits and improved driving comfort as the main factors driving this transition. He also pointed to the growing prevalence of urban low-emission zones, emphasizing the need for electric cars in commercial operations within city limits.
Development of charging infrastructure
The development and availability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is essential to make electric commercial vehicles attractive to companies. Innovative solutions and work schedule adaptations, as demonstrated in Norway, show how the need for charging can be integrated into daily routes.
Remote charge management, offered by electric car manufacturers, gives fleet operators a comprehensive view of each vehicle’s location and battery charge status.
In addition, improvements in charging technology, which also allow electric commercial vehicle models to make full use of fast charging stations, alleviate concerns about fleet efficiency.
Towards a supportive electric vehicle ecosystem
The transition to an all-electric commercial vehicle fleet is accelerating, fueled by rising fuel costs, increasingly stringent environmental requirements and technological advances. The range of electric commercial vehicles currently offered by several car manufacturers shows a significant shift towards sustainable commercial mobility, balancing environmental friendliness with high performance.
The move towards electric commercial vehicles is a fundamental development influenced by economic, environmental and technological requirements. With their expanded range of electric models, automakers are making this transition smoother and more affordable for companies willing to embrace change and move forward in a rapidly changing business environment.
“Delphi” also follows Instagram or YouTube in the profile – join to find out the most important and interesting first! The content of the publication or any part of it is a protected object of copyright in the sense of the Copyright Law, and its use without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Read more here
2024-03-03 10:00:49
#Greening #freight #transport #transition #electric #commercial #transport
