How to overcome electric van range anxiety

Is range anxiety holding you back from switching to an electric van?

Still worried an electric van won’t get you where you need to go? You’re not alone.

Range anxiety has been a hot topic for years. But the good news? It’s becoming a thing of the past.

With constant improvements in EV tech, electric vans are going further than ever.

With the 2030 petrol and diesel ban looming and low-emission zones (LEZs) popping up everywhere, switching to an electric van isn’t just smart—it’s inevitable.

Luckily, manufacturers are making it easier than ever to make the leap.

Back in 2017, most electric vans struggled to hit 100 miles on paper, and in reality, you were lucky to get 60-80.

Fast forward to today, and brands like Citroen and Vauxhall have seriously stepped up their game, with models boasting over 200 miles of range.

This makes electric vans a much more enticing prospect for businesses, and, when combined with the workplace charging grant, means more companies can make the switch and reap the benefits.

And as electric driving is being pushed to the forefront, more is being done to make sure you’re never too far from an EV charger.

But until that day, we’ve collected our top tips on dealing with range anxiety, so you can confidently take out your next van lease, safe in the knowledge you won’t run out of juice in the middle of nowhere.

What is range anxiety?

Range anxiety—the fear of running out of charge mid-journey— is still one of the biggest barriers when it comes to widespread electric adoption.

Unlike petrol, you can’t just pull over and ‘top up’ in five minutes, so the worry is understandable.

In the early days of electric driving, when claimed mileage was hovering around the 100–200-mile mark and there were fewer charging stations dotted around, this was a lot more prevalent.

It often limited the distance people were willing to travel, and often led to increased stress around long journeys.

But with the advancements in electric tech, range anxiety is nothing to fear.

However, there is still a need to be aware of the range of the electric van lease you’re choosing.

If you're city-based, charging is a breeze—stations are everywhere. But if you're out in the sticks? It takes a little more planning.

Fewer chargers mean you’ll need to be smart about where and when you top up. Bonus points if a friendly customer lets you plug in with their charger.

It’s trickier, but definitely still possible. You can charge up each night, using apps such as Optiwatt to make sure you use electricity at the optimum times, ensuring the cheapest charge possible.

How much range do I need?

Before picking a van, ask yourself:

• How many miles do I actually drive daily?
• Will I be charging overnight or relying on public stations?

This should give you a good idea of the kind of range you’ll need – taking into consideration an extra buffer in case you get stuck or have to divert your route.

Got a charger at home or work? Lucky you. Just plug in overnight, or while you’re sorting some paperwork, and you’re good to go.

You’ll be able to pick your van based more on other (arguably more important) features. Such as ergonomics or having the latest tech.

If not, don’t worry—just pick a van with extra range so you’re not hunting for a charger every other day.

The higher the better, so you won’t constantly need to find a charger.

What affects electric van range?

There are three main factors that affect electric van range: driver behaviour, temperature and battery health.

Driver behaviour

Hard acceleration, heavy braking, and speeding all drain your battery faster. Drive smoothly, and you’ll go further.

Temperature

Unlike driver behaviour, temperature is not under your control.

The outside temperature can influence real-world mileage – batteries aren’t fans of the cold.

Also, having the heating on, or the rare occasion it’s actually hot enough in the UK to use the air con, will use more energy and decrease your range.

Battery health

Battery health isn’t such a big issue, but like all rechargeable batteries, your van battery will eventually start to degrade which means it won’t be able to charge to its full potential.

But this isn’t anything to necessarily worry about.

Tests have shown that the typical EV battery only declines about 2.3% every year. And with a typical lease lasting between three and five years, you’ll have handed the van back before you see any visible degradation in the range.

How can I maximise my electric van’s range?

There are several ways you can maximise the real-world range of your electric van.

As mentioned before, driver behaviour can have a huge impact on your range. So, a smooth driving style, avoiding harsh acceleration or braking, and maintaining a sensible speed will increase the efficiency of your battery.

Many EVs now have regenerative braking—meaning every time you slow down, you get a little charge back. Free energy? Yes, please.

Normally, your van will have a couple of different driving settings. The one often labelled ‘eco’ will enable the van’s maximum regenerative setting and send the most power back into the battery while you’re braking.

Taking advantage of your van’s ability to preheat or precool while it’s still plugged in to a charge also preps the cabin for you, so less energy used while on the move.

Staying on top of your van’s routine maintenance, like tyre pressure, can also help.

Which electric van should I choose?

Choosing the right electric van for you and your business is really going to come down to how much range you need.

If you’re covering under 100 miles daily and only need something small, then something like the Citroen e-Berlingo or the Renault Kangoo E-Tech will be perfect.

After something with more mileage?

The medium-sized vans such as the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, Citroen e-Dispatch or Peugeot e-Expert, with claimed ranges of up to 205 miles, will fit you perfectly.

Need a big van, but with big range?

The Fiat Ducato will do you well. With a claimed WLTP combined range of up to 263 miles, you will be able to fill the cavernous van with everything, then still be able to trek wherever you need to.

Whatever the needs of your business, there’s sure to be an electric van that suits you.

Charging points are popping up everywhere—even on streetlights. Soon, plugging in will be as easy as grabbing a coffee.

One day, range anxiety will be as outdated as floppy disks.

But why wait? The right electric van can fit your needs today.

So, go find your perfect match!