What is the difference between electric and diesel commercial vehicles?
Electric commercial vehicles differ from diesel commercial vehicles in three main areas: cost, performance and environmental impact. Electric vehicles have higher purchase prices but lower operating costs, while diesel commercial vehicles offer greater driving range but pollute more. The choice depends on your daily mileage, budget and sustainability goals for your business.
What are the main cost differences between electric and diesel company cars?
Electric commercial vehicles cost more to buy but are cheaper to operate than diesel vehicles. The higher purchase price is offset by lower fuel costs, less maintenance and tax advantages. Over the total lifetime, electric commercial vehicles are often more economical.
The purchase price of electric commercial vehicles is on average higher than that of comparable diesel models. However, this difference is narrowing due to falling battery prices and increasing production. Since January 2025, BPM levy on new diesel commercial vehicles also applies, further reducing the price difference.
Operating costs fall clearly in favour of electric vehicles. Charging costs less than refuelling, especially when charging at home with a cheap energy tariff. Maintenance costs are lower because electric motors have fewer moving parts. You don't have to change oil and brake pads wear less due to regenerative braking.
Fiscally, electric commercial vehicles offer significant advantages. You pay no motor vehicle tax and can take advantage of accelerated depreciation. A lower addition rate applies to lease car drivers. These tax advantages make electric driving financially attractive for entrepreneurs.
How do the performance and driving range of electric and diesel commercial vehicles differ?
Modern electric commercial vehicles have a driving range of 250-400 kilometres, while diesel vehicles reach 600-800 kilometres. Electric vehicles offer instant torque and quiet operation, but charging takes longer than refuelling. For daily regional use, performance is similar.
The driving range remains an important difference between the two powertrains. Diesel commercial vehicles can travel further without refuelling, which is useful for long journeys or intensive use. Electric vehicles have sufficient range for most daily routes, but require more planning for long distances.
Charging time is different from refuelling. Fast charging takes 30-45 minutes to about 80% capacity, while refuelling takes a few minutes. Home charging happens at night and is very convenient for companies with fixed sites. Charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, but still requires more planning than petrol stations.
Performance varies depending on the situation. Electric motors instantly deliver maximum torque, which ensures smooth acceleration and pleasant driving. In cold weather, electric vehicles' range decreases, while diesel engines perform better in low temperatures. Load capacity is similar between the two types.
What impact do electric versus diesel company cars have on the environment?
Electric commercial vehicles produce no local emissions and are quieter than diesel vehicles. Over the entire life cycle, including production and power generation, electric vehicles have a lower environmental impact. These benefits increase as the electricity grid becomes greener.
Local air quality improves directly through electric commercial vehicles. They do not emit nitrogen oxides, particulates or carbon monoxide. This is important in urban areas and inner cities where air quality is an issue. Many cities are introducing environmental zones where only clean vehicles are welcome.
Noise pollution decreases with electric vehicles. They are much quieter than diesel engines, especially at low speeds. This improves the quality of life in residential areas and allows early or late deliveries without inconveniencing nearby residents.
Electric vehicle production requires more energy than diesel cars, especially for the battery. However, this disadvantage is offset during use. As more renewable energy becomes available and batteries are recycled, the environmental difference widens even more in favour of electric driving.
What do you need to arrange practically when switching to electric commercial vehicles?
To switch to electric commercial vehicles, you need a charging strategy. Install charging points on your premises, arrange home charging for drivers and plan routes along public charging stations. In addition, you need to adapt insurance and maintenance to electric driving.
Charging infrastructure is the basis of electric driving. A charging station on your premises ensures convenience and lower costs. For drivers who charge at home, you can arrange a fee or have a charging station installed. Public charging stations are convenient for on-the-go charging, but require planning and are more expensive.
Route planning becomes more important with electric vehicles. Use apps that take into account your battery capacity and available charging points. Plan longer trips with charging stops and take into account seasonal influences on range. Many navigation systems in electric cars do this automatically.
Insurance and maintenance differ from diesel vehicles. Insurance premiums can be lower due to safety systems, but damage repairs are sometimes more expensive. Maintenance is simpler: no oil checks, but battery checks. Look for a garage with experience in electric vehicles for optimal service.
How Van den Hurk helps with electric commercial vehicles
We will fully guide you through the transition to electric commercial vehicles. With our vast experience and practical approach, we make electric driving accessible to your business. We offer not just vehicles, but a complete solution for sustainable business mobility.
Our electric range includes different makes and models to suit a variety of business needs. From compact vans to spacious cargo vans, we will help you find the right electric vehicle to suit your daily operations and budget.
Our support includes:
- Personal advice on the right electric model for your situation
- Flexible leasing and financing options adapted to electric driving
- Practical tips for charging infrastructure and route planning
- Transparent explanation of tax benefits and total cost of ownership
- Aftercare and support for the transition to electric mobility
Want to know which electric company car is best for your business? Contact us for a personal discussion. Together, we will look at your specific needs and make the transition to electric driving as smooth as possible.
