Van fleets will benefit significantly from the government's recent announcement that hybrid vehicles can remain on sale until 2035.
That's the message from Fleet Check managing director Peter Golding who says that while the clarification didn't explicitly mention vans, it's reasonable to assume that similar rules will apply. He highlighted the challenges faced by van fleets in transitioning to fully electric vehicles due to factors such as payload, range, and charging infrastructure.
Hybrid vans are relatively scarce in the light commercial vehicle sector. Currently the only full hybrid vehicle on sale is the Toyota Corolla Commercial. Ford has previously sold the Ford Transit Custom PHEV as a range-extender hybrid and plans to re-introduce the model for the latest generation of Ford Transit Custom.
Ford has also recently revealed it will produce a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger pick-up truck. The Ford Ranger PHEV (pictured above) will offer increased torque of its diesel V6 siblings as well as provide increased fuel efficiency.
Golding explained that hybrid vans offer a practical solution during this transition period, providing fleets with more time to address the limitations of battery electric vehicles. However, he emphasised the need for careful consideration of fuel types for different applications.
While the announcement provides some breathing space, Golding explained that the government's zero emissions production targets and mandate remain in place. This means that by the end of the decade, the majority of vans on sale will still be electric only.
Operators can now use hybrids in situations where their limitations are less of an issue, such as applications requiring greater range or payload or where charging facilities are limited. Golding suggested that the extra time should be used to explore ways to overcome the limitations of electric van technology, such as through advancements in battery technology or the development of hydrogen fuel networks.
