Which electric commercial vehicles have the best stability?
Electric commercial vehicles with the best stability are those where the batteries are placed low in the chassis, ensuring an optimal centre of gravity. Models such as the Mercedes eSprinter, Ford E-Transit and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo excel for their excellent roadholding and stable handling. Battery placement under the load floor often makes electric commercial vehicles more stable than traditional diesel vehicles.
What determines the stability of an electric utility vehicle?
The stability of electric commercial vehicles is mainly determined by four main factors: battery placement, weight distribution, suspension and chassis design. These elements work together to create stable and safe handling, especially when cornering and during braking.
The battery placement plays the main role in stability. In electric commercial vehicles, the batteries are usually under the load floor, making the centre of gravity much lower than in diesel vehicles. This ensures less lean and more stable handling.
The chassis design of electric commercial vehicles is specifically adapted to accommodate the heavy battery packs. The construction is often stiffer than in traditional vehicles, contributing to better stability. The suspension is also adapted to the different weight and altered weight distribution.
Another advantage is the even weight distribution. Whereas diesel vehicles are often head-heavy due to the engine at the front, electric commercial vehicles distribute weight more evenly throughout the vehicle. This results in more natural and predictable driving behaviour.
Which electric commercial vehicles have the best handling?
The Mercedes eSprinter, Ford E-Transit and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo are known for their excellent stability and road handling. These models were developed with a focus on a low centre of gravity and optimal weight distribution for professional use.
The Mercedes eSprinter offers very stable handling, even when fully loaded, due to its advanced suspension and low battery placement. The vehicle holds its course well during rapid direction changes and offers excellent control in different weather conditions.
The Ford E-Transit stands out for its balanced weight distribution and modified chassis tuning. Ford has worked specifically on stability during loading and unloading, which is important for daily use in operations.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo also scores highly on stability. The unique architecture with batteries in the floor and the electric motor at the rear creates a very balanced weight distribution, ensuring predictable and stable driving behaviour.
Other models that score well are the Renault Master E-Tech Electric and the Iveco eDaily. These vehicles all offer a good combination of stability, load capacity and driving comfort for professional use.
How does battery placement affect the stability of your commercial vehicle?
Battery placement has a direct and very positive impact on the stability of electric commercial vehicles. Batteries are usually placed under the load floor, which significantly lowers the centre of gravity and provides more stable directional stability than traditional vehicles.
A low-placed battery pack acts as a kind of ballast that keeps the vehicle stable. When cornering, there is less risk of tipping over and during braking, the vehicle remains better balanced. This is especially noticeable with loaded vehicles, where traditional commercial vehicles can sometimes react unpredictably.
Placement in the bottom also provides better protection of the batteries from damage. They are hidden in a sturdy casing and are less vulnerable to impact than if they were higher up in the vehicle.
Different battery configurations are possible. Some manufacturers opt for one large battery pack, while others distribute the batteries over several modules. Multi-point distribution can provide even more even weight distribution, but requires more space and more complex wiring.
The only drawback of batteries in the floor may be that the load floor will be slightly higher. For most applications, however, this is not a problem and the stability benefits far outweigh this minor drawback.
Why are electric commercial vehicles often more stable than diesel vehicles?
Electric commercial vehicles are often more stable than diesel vehicles because of their lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution. Whereas diesel vehicles are head-heavy due to the engine at the front, electric vehicles distribute weight more evenly throughout the chassis.
In traditional diesel commercial vehicles, the main weight (the engine) is high and at the front of the vehicle. This creates a high centre of gravity and can lead to wobbly behaviour, especially in empty vehicles. The rear end is then relatively light, which can result in less grip and stability.
Electric commercial vehicles do not have these problems. The electric motor is much more compact and lighter than a diesel engine, and the heavy batteries sit low in the chassis. This creates a naturally stable configuration similar to racing cars, keeping the weight as low as possible.
The even weight distribution also improves braking performance. Electric commercial vehicles can better distribute their braking force to all wheels, resulting in shorter braking distances and more control during emergency situations.
In addition, many electric commercial vehicles have regenerative braking. This system not only helps recharge the battery, but also ensures more even and predictable deceleration. The vehicle remains more stable during braking and the driver retains more control.
How Van den Hurk helps with electric commercial vehicles
We help you find the most stable electric utility vehicle for your specific business needs. With our vast experience and extensive stock, we make sure you get a vehicle that fits your work and driving style perfectly.
Our approach to electric commercial vehicles includes:
- Personal advice on stability and handling based on your specific use
- Test opportunities to experience the driving behaviour yourself before you decide
- Comprehensive explanation of technical aspects and advantages of different models
- Flexible financing and leasing options for electric vehicles
- Support for the switch from diesel to electric, including practical tips
We understand that stability is important for your daily work and safety. That is why we take the time to educate you on the different electric commercial vehicles in our range and their specific features. Whether you are looking for a compact van or a larger transport solution, we will help you make the right choice.
Want to know more about our electric commercial vehicles and their stability? Contact us for a personal discussion or schedule a test drive. We will be happy to show you why electric commercial vehicles are the future of stable and efficient business transport.
