A recent report commissioned by Ford Pro reveals that small businesses across Europe could save up to €14,000 per van over three years by switching to electric vans. These savings primarily stem from the lower cost of charging compared to refueling petrol and diesel vehicles, along with reduced maintenance costs. The study, based on a survey of 1,000 businesses, highlights significant savings in five major European markets: France, Spain, the UK, Italy, and Germany.
The report, titled The Economics of Commercial Van Usage Across Europe 2024, reveals that electric vans quickly pay for themselves within three years through lower running costs. This has encouraged small businesses to embrace electric vehicles (EVs), following the example of larger fleets. Ford Pro’s E-Switch Assist tool helps businesses assess which of their current fleet vehicles are best suited for electrification, with 50,000 assessments already completed by European customers.
Electric vans offer businesses a range of cost-saving benefits, including reduced charging costs, especially when using Ford Pro’s charging software to schedule off-peak charging. Additionally, electric vehicles are mechanically simpler than their diesel counterparts, resulting in maintenance costs that are 40% lower for models like the E-Transit. Across the five key markets, the savings average €14,000 per van.
The report also highlights that small businesses in specific countries stand to benefit even more. For instance, firms in France could save up to €19,000 per van, while businesses in Spain, the UK, Italy, and Germany could save up to €16,000, €14,000, €12,000, and €11,000, respectively. In addition to these savings, small businesses can also benefit from exemptions in low-emission zones, which are becoming increasingly common across Europe.
A real-world example of these savings is France Alliance 56, a delivery company in the Morbihan region of France. The company switched from diesel-powered vans to E-Transit vans, cutting energy costs by over 80%. With expenses dropping from €18-€20 per 100 km for diesel vans to just €3 for electric vans, the business has seen significant financial benefits.
Electric vans also offer added advantages for small businesses in urban areas, where over 350 low-emission zones are in place, covering more than 80 million people. This includes access to zones like El Rastro in Madrid, where businesses benefit from shared electric van services as part of Ford’s pilot project, Rastro Electricity by Ford. This initiative, in collaboration with the Madrid City Council, helps businesses reduce costs while supporting cleaner, greener urban mobility.
