The range of an electric van can almost halve when it is carrying a full payload in real world conditions, according to Arval, which says the results of a trial it has conducted are of interest to public sector fleets.

Arval says the study showed that, over the same 35-mile course, an EV with a full payload lost more than 85% of its range compared to a 45% loss for one that was carrying nothing.

Eddie Parker, commercial vehicle consultant at Arval UK, said: 'This is a great example of the operational factors that public sector fleets looking at operating electric vans may have to consider.

'The loss of range is significant at almost 50% and shows that, if you were expecting a fully laden EV commercial vehicle to reach anywhere near the stated range, then you would be disappointed.

'We believe that this information will be of interest to local authority fleets especially, many of whom have been looking at electric vans for operation in urban areas as a contribution to reducing air pollution'

Mr Parker said that the results should not be seen as an indictment of electric commercial vehicles but, instead, were simply a contribution to a growing pool of knowledge.

He said: 'We undertook this test in response to requests from customers, including public sector fleets, who were looking to gain an operational understanding of this kind of vehicle.

'The fact is that, in general use, few vans of this type would ever be fully laden. A typical load for most local authority uses would be much nearer the 50% mark, where the loss of range is much less pronounced. For this reason, we believe the study shows that there is a wider application for EVs than may at first have been thought.

'Of course, all vehicles lose range when fully laden. A diesel van with a full payload would typically see its range reduced by around 35%, for example'

The test route was designed to represent typical van use, and consisted of urban, suburban and rural roads, carriageway and motorway, with the van travelling at between 30 and 70mph. The EV was used by the same driver, at the same time of day, with air conditioning and non-essential electrics turned off.

Mr Parker added: 'It could be that if, as EVs develop, this kind of range loss is found to be typical, then factors that help to extend range, such as driver training, could become a more important element of fleet operation. We plan to help local authority fleets with consultancy in this area'