Questions before buying an e-transporter

Think in advance about how often the e-transporter will be used. Will it be used daily or only occasionally? This question is also important with regard to the battery type. If the vehicle is left unused for a long time, it will self-discharge. The amount depends on the outside temperature and the type of vehicle.

The different outside temperatures in summer and winter have a major impact on the range. Electric vans experience a reduction in range at both low and high temperatures, with the optimum operating range being between 15 and 35 degrees Celsius. The ideal outside temperature for maximum performance is between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius, where batteries can even reach up to 110 per cent of their normal capacity.

The additional energy consumption in winter or summer varies depending on various factors and is difficult to quantify precisely. As a rule, however, the additional consumption is between 10 and 30 per cent. This depends not only on the current temperature, but also on factors such as the specific battery and the vehicle's battery management. In winter, however, short journeys can be very inefficient, as heating up the entire interior without the waste heat of an engine increases the energy consumption of the traction battery.

The answer to this question naturally has an influence on the type of vehicle body. Bulky goods and goods that are not sensitive to the weather are better transported in a flatbed. Other materials are better transported in a closed box. Access from all sides with a closed box is very convenient and saves a lot of time and effort.

The e-transporters in the URBAN model series can be configured with a flatbed or box. The charging box is accessible from all sides.

Electric vans are playing an increasingly important role in logistics and last-mile transport. Thanks to their emission-free nature, they contribute to reducing environmental pollution in urban areas and help to improve air quality and quality of life. Their lower operating costs compared to conventional vehicles also make them economically attractive. With the growing demand for deliveries in urban areas, e-transporters are increasingly becoming an indispensable tool for sustainable and effective last-mile logistics. There are already vehicles on the market with a range of up to 400 kilometres. This is of course useful and necessary for planned longer journeys. For last-mile journeys, a range of 70 to 200 kilometres is perfectly adequate. Express delivery drivers and city courier services travel an average of around 50 - 100 km a day. In the evening, the e-transporters can be conveniently charged overnight at the depot.
Calculate the exact number of kilometres your future e-transporter needs to cover each day.

Since 2014, electrically powered vans with a total weight of up to 4.25 tonnes can also be driven in Germany with a category B driving licence (up to 3.5 tonnes). If your e-transporter is to transport very heavy goods, then pay attention to the total permissible load of the vehicle.

Measure the goods to be transported to find the e-transporter with the perfect loading area. Good capacity utilisation is important for efficient driving. A smaller vehicle may also be suitable for your needs. This will save you costs and make it easier to navigate and park in narrow streets with a smaller vehicle.

In other words, do you need to use public charging points or do you intend to charge the vehicle at your business? If you are dependent on publicly accessible charging structures, you should of course get an overview of the number and capacity utilisation in advance.

Of course, your budget is important when choosing the right e-transporter. The prices for electric vans vary greatly. There are very different models with corresponding differences in equipment. This brings us back to the question of your individual requirements for the vehicle. Very favourable offers can become expensive later on. With some suppliers from the Far East, for example, there are no spare parts or specialist dealers on the German market. In the event of problems or defects, you are on your own.

The question of typical use is also important when looking for the right e-transporter. For example, if the e-transporter is more likely to be used in urban areas, this means: confined spaces, busy streets and few parking options. A small, compact vehicle with a small turning circle is ideal for these purposes. This vehicle model makes manoeuvring easier for the driver and saves a lot of time.

The models in the URBAN range are the perfect electric delivery vans for urban areas. Small and compact, yet with plenty of loading capacity. We will be happy to advise you on our offers.