Which electric commercial vehicles are available with raised load floors?

Yes, there are several electric commercial vehicles available with raised load floors from well-known brands such as Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Renault. These vehicles offer up to 40% more cargo volume than standard versions, making them ideal for companies that need to transport a lot of volume. The raised loading floor provides more headroom and better loading ergonomics, although this does affect the driving range and purchase price.

Which brands make electric commercial vehicles with raised load floors?

Several major car brands are producing electric commercial vehicles with raised load floors to meet the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions with maximum cargo volume. Ford offers the E-Transit with raised loading floor, Mercedes-Benz has the eSprinter in different heights and Volkswagen supplies the e-Crafter with extra cargo space.

The Ford E-Transit is available in several configurations, including a variant with raised loading floor that offers up to 15.1 cubic metres of cargo volume. This model has a driving range of up to 317 kilometres and is suitable for various business applications, from parcel delivery to service transport.

Mercedes-Benz offers the eSprinter in various lengths and heights, including a high-roof version with raised loading floor. This electric commercial vehicle combines the familiar Sprinter platform with electric drive and offers excellent load capacity for professional use.

Renault also supplies electric commercial vehicles with raised load floors, such as the Master E-Tech Electric in various body styles. Volkswagen has plans for electric versions of its popular commercial vehicles with options for a raised load floor.

What are the advantages of a raised loading floor on electric commercial vehicles?

A raised loading floor on electric commercial vehicles offers significantly more loading volume, better ergonomics during loading and unloading, and extra functionality for companies that need to transport a lot of volume. You can carry more goods without making extra trips, saving time and energy.

The additional cargo volume is the biggest advantage. The raised loading floor allows you to transport more boxes, parcels or materials in one trip. This increases the efficiency of your business operations and reduces the number of trips required for the same amount of goods.

The improved ergonomics makes work more pleasant and safer. You don't have to bend as deeply when loading and unloading, which reduces the strain on your back. This is especially important when loading and unloading frequently during the working day.

For certain business applications, a raised loading floor offers practical advantages. Installation companies can transport long materials more easily, catering companies have more space for trolleys and carts, and parcel delivery companies can carry more parcels per trip.

How much extra cargo space do you get with a raised cargo floor?

A raised load floor typically provides 20-40% more cargo volume compared to the standard version of the same model. Concrete figures vary by make and model, but you can count on several cubic metres of extra cargo space that can make all the difference to your operations.

At the Ford E-Transit for example, the loading volume grows from 11.7 cubic metres in the standard version to 15.1 cubic metres with raised loading floor. This means you get about 3.4 cubic metres of extra cargo space, equivalent to room for about 15-20 extra average-sized boxes.

The Mercedes eSprinter with raised loading floor offers up to 17 cubic metres of cargo volume, while the standard version is around 13 cubic metres. This additional four cubic metres is comparable to the contents of a small storage room and makes a significant difference for companies that carry a lot of volume.

In practical terms, this means that as an installer you can take more materials to a job, as a parcel delivery company you can deliver more packages per round or as a removal company you need fewer trips for the same job. The extra cargo space translates directly into improved operating efficiency.

What disadvantages does an electric commercial vehicle with raised load floor have?

Electric commercial vehicles with raised load floors have some disadvantages: a higher purchase price, reduced driving range due to increased air resistance, parking restrictions at low garages and bridges, and possibly higher maintenance costs. These aspects should be weighed against the benefits of the extra cargo space.

The higher purchase price is often the first stumbling block. Variants with raised load floors typically cost several thousand euros more than standard models. For small companies, this can be an important consideration when buying or leasing a new commercial vehicle.

The reduced driving range is due to the increased drag from the higher profile. In highway driving, this can 10-15% mean less range, affecting your daily range and charging schedule. For companies travelling long distances, this is a major concern.

Parking restrictions are a practical problem in urban environments. Many car parks, subways and bridges have height restrictions that can cause problems. You need to plan routes and parking locations more carefully to avoid unexpected situations.

Also, the maintenance costs slightly higher due to more complex construction and possible additional wear and tear on components. Tyres and brakes may wear out faster due to the higher weight and different driving dynamics of the vehicle.

How Van den Hurk helps with electric commercial vehicles

We are happy to help you find the right electric commercial vehicle with raised load floor that perfectly suits your business needs. With more than 60 years of experience in commercial vehicles, we understand exactly what demands your sector places on a commercial vehicle.

Our offer in the field of electric commercial vehicles is constantly growing. We offer:

• Personal advice On which electric utility vehicle with raised loading floor suits you best
• Flexible financing via lease or purchase, tailored to your budget and operations
• Transparent pricing without surprises, so you know exactly where you stand
• Complete unburdening from advice to delivery and after-care

Whether you are an installation company that wants to transport more materials, a parcel service that wants to expand capacity or a catering company that wants to become more sustainable, we are happy to think along with you. Contact us for a no-obligation discussion about the possibilities of electric utility vehicles with raised loading floors for your business.