In a remarkable feat of endurance, the Fiat E-Scudo all-electric van has etched its name in history by setting a new world record for the longest distance traveled by an electric van on a single charge. Covering an astonishing 311.18 miles (500.8 kilometers) in a single journey, the vehicle navigated a circular route spanning the picturesque landscapes of Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire in the United Kingdom.
The record-breaking achievement eclipses the previous benchmark set in 2022 by the GM BrightDrop Zevo 600 van, which covered a respectable 258 miles (415 km) on a route stretching from New York City to Washington, D.C.
Equipped with a potent 75 kilowatt-hours battery pack, the Fiat E-Scudo boasts a WLTP-rated range of 205 miles in its highest configuration. Remarkably, the van’s crew managed to push the boundaries, exceeding the official range rating by an impressive 51 percent.
During the ambitious 13-hour and nine-minute journey conducted exclusively in daylight hours, the van navigated a diverse route comprising both urban and rural roads, mirroring real-world driving conditions. Notably, the vehicle remained unaltered but was equipped with energy-efficient Bridgestone Duravis tires, a choice that contributed to its outstanding performance.
Spearheaded by Webfleet, Bridgestone’s renowned global fleet management solution, the record-setting endeavor saw the E-Scudo achieve an average efficiency of 4.5 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh) during the drive.
Expressing his elation, Damien Dally, the Managing Director at Fiat UK, stated, “We are delighted that the Fiat E-Scudo has registered its first-ever Guinness World Records title, and an impressive one at that as the furthest distance ever traveled by a van on a single charge.” Dally further emphasized the van’s potential for businesses embracing electric mobility, as the achievement showcased the vehicle’s capability to surpass its official WLTP range.
The monumental drive was a collaborative effort by three skilled drivers – Kevin Booker, Sam Clarke, and Fergal McGrath. Both Booker and McGrath boasted prior records for fuel economy in conventional vehicles and energy consumption in electric cars. Clarke, on the other hand, marked his debut in the record-setting arena.
With the record accomplishment, Fergal McGrath highlighted the potential of pure electric commercial vehicles to excel in real-world scenarios, particularly within urban environments.
Part of Stellantis’ robust lineup of commercial vehicles in Europe, the Fiat E-Scudo electric van shares its platform, body, and drivetrain with counterparts such as the Citroen e-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert, and Toyota Proace Electric. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, this achievement stands as a testament to the strides being made in the realm of electric mobility and its tangible impact on modern transportation.