Electric utility vehicles have a huge list of benefits, but that doesn’t stop many of us from having questions and reservations about them. In this blog, we’ll dive into the most frequently asked questions and bust the myths surrounding these positively powered vehicles.

What is an electric commercial vehicle?

An electric commercial vehicle (EV) is a truck, bus, van or any vehicle in the commercial sector that runs on electricity rather than petrol or diesel - it’s as simple as that!

Are EVs expensive?

The initial outlay can be high for larger electric vehicles, or those designed for consumers, however, our range of Ligier vehicles can be extremely affordable. When you consider the cost to charge, run and maintain an EV it will save you in the long run plus make a positive impact on the environment.

What is the best electric utility vehicle to use in the commercial sector?

With so many options on the market, it can be hard to differentiate one electric utility vehicle from the other. Compact Electric Vehicles can help you find the perfect fit and make upgrading your commercial fleet to electric easy.

Nestlé UK is currently trialling an Electric Shunter at their distribution centre in York, from Compact EV. This move is part of Nestlé's commitment to sustainability, with the hope of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The use of electric shunters in their operations not only helps to reduce emissions but also has the potential to improve the efficiency of supply chains and lower operating costs.

Compact EV is also the sole UK importer of the Ligier Group commercial EVs and their newest electric offerings, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, have helped a diverse range of companies hit their business goals, including the UK’s biggest courier.

The Royal Mail have introduced the Ligier Pulse 4 vehicles to their fleet. The electric vehicles are being assessed in residential areas as a lower carbon alternative to the larger vans used. Simon Thompson, CEO at Royal Mail said: “It’s really exciting to see these micro-electric vehicles making their way into our daily deliveries.” For us at Compact EV, it’s great to see that through a partnership with Ligier, we have been able to play a part in this iconic red fleet turning green.

The Pulse 4 range is modular and adaptable for a variety of professions. The 100% electric vehicles which include an Electric Flatbed, Electric Box Van and Electric Refrigerated Van can be tailor-made to suit your professional needs. To discuss the further advantages, get in touch and a member of our team can help you find the best solution for your business.

What factors should I consider when purchasing an electric utility vehicle?

The factors businesses should consider when buying an electric utility vehicle include the range, charging time, payload capacity, and vehicle cost.

Are commercial EVs road-legal?

Yes, commercial EVs follow the same rules and regulations as their petrol and diesel counterparts and therefore can be road-registered.

The Ligier range is fully road-legal with a top speed of 40 mph that can be restricted if needed.

Are electric utility vehicles safe?

Absolutely! A lot of time and testing has gone into their development, design and manufacturing - especially when it comes to the Ligier Group EVs. All Ligier products have been 2007/46/CE crash-tested which ensures these electric vehicles are built to the highest level of safety and quality, with the lowest environmental impact.

Can electric utility vehicles handle large workloads?

Electric utility vehicles are excellent at handling large workloads. The high torque provided by their electric motors allows these vehicles to easily handle heavy loads, making them ideal for traders, craftsmen, industrialists or local authorities.

Across the Pulse 4 range, a clip system allows you to tailor-make and configure the rear of your vehicle. Options include a tilting tray, waste bin, refrigeration box, and box with rear and/or side roller shutters, making it easy and convenient to transport heavy tools and machinery, bulky items, waste and all types of goods. The flexibility of this range is a game-changer!

How can I charge an electric commercial vehicle?

There are public EV charging stations located throughout the UK, and workplace chargers are becoming more common, but for the Pulse 4 vehicles, you won’t need to spend any money on infrastructure. The lithium battery, which comes as standard, can be charged just like your mobile phone from any domestic socket​. An onboard 5-metre charge cable is also included.

How long does it take to charge a commercial EV?

Charging times will vary depending on the battery size and charging point, it can take anything from 40 minutes to 12 hours to charge an electric utility vehicle from empty to full.

With battery options varying from 8.6Kw to 17.2Kw, the Ligier Pulse 4 vehicles' charge time will differ. However, the 8.6Kw battery will take as little as 5h 30m to fully charge with a domestic power supply. As the Pulse 4 vehicles can be charged from any domestic charger, you can charge it for 10 minutes here and 20 minutes there with no worry of damaging the battery.

Are commercial EV maintenance costs high?

With fewer moving parts and fluids, the maintenance cost of an electric vehicle is significantly lower than a petrol or diesel. In addition to this, with most EVs using regenerative braking the brakes usually last for longer too.

With the Ligier products, an anti-corrosion aluminium chassis and lithium battery are included as standard.

However, we suggest regularly checking your vehicle to ensure it stays in tip-top shape. Compact Electric Vehicles can supply servicing and repairs, spare parts and customisations, refurbishments and modifications to their electric vehicles depending on your requirements, as and when you need it. Get in touch with the team for more information on these services.

Are EVs comfortable?

Electric commercial vehicles have transformed the way we think about transportation. Not only do they help the planet, but they are also incredibly comfortable for drivers and passengers.

Speaking specifically of the Ligier Pulse 4 range, the vehicles are designed for our urban mobility needs. This includes a 5.3’’ colour LCD multi-function counter panel with back-lit buttons, Bluetooth connectivity, battery charge indicator and immobiliser system. Dual triangle suspension, front-wheel drive and LED front lights are also notable features.

The cab is wide and spacious with lots of storage space and the driver’s seat has been designed by occupational ergonomists - meaning it’s built to fit you, rather than having you fit the vehicle. Alongside this, a heated windscreen can be included for extra cosy comfort.

It’s clear to see the Ligier Group has focused on how it feels to drive the vehicle, making it as comfortable and convenient as possible.

To summarise, electric utility vehicles offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol-powered vehicles. They are road-legal, maintenance-free, and easy to charge with lots of additional features for comfort, practicality and convenience.

While there are still some myths and misconceptions about electric utility vehicles, addressing these concerns can help you make informed decisions about whether or not an EV is right for you. By highlighting the facts and debunking common misconceptions, we can help more people make the switch to electric utility vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable future.

To get up close and personal with a commercial EV and find out more, book a demo and a member of the team will be in touch.