by constructaquote - 1 June 2016
Electric vehicles have become ever more popular, mainly due to the governments ‘plug-in grant’; however, could advances in diesel technology mean that fuel triumphs in the eco-vehicle battle?
Improvements to diesel engine efficiency for commercial vehicles could eclipse the economic efficiency of electric vans according to a major vehicle manufacturer.
Managing director at Mercedes-Benz Vans, Steven Bridge considers that technology used in van diesel engines has significantly advanced over recent years; many manufacturers are adopting fuel-saving features that are currently available in cars.
Bridge told Fleet News that these advancements in diesel engines could rival any potential savings with electric vans.
Bridge said: “Even if we give them [electric vehicles], they wouldn’t want them”.
So are electric vans are failing to demonstrate cost-effectiveness?
Bridge added: “As we go further down the road of optimised diesel engines, it might become more difficult for pure-electric vans to demonstrate their cost effectiveness.”
The Mercedes-Benz Vito which arrived in the UK in 2015 boasts a 20% fuel consumption improvement in addition to new-entry-level front-wheel drive using a 1.6-litre diesel engine. More powerful models are available using a cleaner 2.1-litre engine with rear-wheel drive.
Bridge added: “Van operators are more aware of fuel consumption than they were previously.”
With technological improvements being integrated into the manufacture of diesel engines, it begs the question: will electric vehicles ever conquer British roads?
Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
To find out more about the governments plug-in grant please check out our blog: Would you use an electric van?
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