Electric vehicles becoming more attractive for tradesmen: Hegla has developed a weight-optimised, aluminium reef for maximum range and payload of electric utility vehicles. This also saves money.
Electric vehicles are sometimes discussed very controversially among specialist tradesmen. But new EVs and e-transporters with a longer range as well as increasingly strict exhaust and noise regulations of the cities speak in favour of them. In an interview with Managing Director Marc-Alexander Stachel, we wanted to know about the current demand for electric vans at Hegla Fahrzeugbau. Here are his answers.
GW-News - Mr Stachel, e-mobility has long led a niche existence. With special reefs, Hegla Fahrzeugbau has adapted to electric vehicles for glass and window transport. What is the current status here?
Marc-Alexander Stachel - The demand for our superstructures and reefs for electric commercial vehicles has increased significantly. This has surprised us somewhat overall. For a long time there was only little demand, but the new vehicles that have come onto the market have changed the situation. With a higher range and load capacity, they are well equipped for daily requirements and fulfil their purpose.
Due to our lighter reefing, the load capacity remains high on these models, so that the former limitations no longer prevail, but much more the possibilities of e-mobility. Nevertheless, there are differences between the individual classes. The share of electric vehicles is currently increasing especially in the range up to 2.8 and 3.5 t total load
GW-News - Do you see any particular reason why e-mobility is moving forward especially in the 2.8 and 3.5 t class vans?
Stachel - Vans up to 3.5 t are the universal vehicles of the glass and window industry. Equipped with an external reefing system and, in the best case, with an internal reefing and tool cabinet system, almost everything can be transported with it, the assembly materials find their place and most functions can be carried out with such a vehicle.
The number of these vans in use and in need of regular renewal is therefore all the higher. Due to the daily use, the most kilometres are also accumulated here, so that the increased fuel prices have also led to even more thought being given to the switch to e-mobility.
Moreover, the surcharge for the van variants with an electric drive is still manageable here compared to large trucks equipped with an electric motor.
We don't see the complete conversion to electric yet, for the time being a mix is to be expected: E-vehicles for inner-city use and day assembly. For long journeys, the combustion engine will remain.
Hegla
GW-News - Has the range, previously often the Achilles heel of electric vans, improved?
Stachel - Yes, on the one hand the increases in range of the manufacturers' new models are being positively received, and on the other hand the experience that has been gained with these vehicles in the meantime.
Vehicles up to 2.8 t have only been used in the industry for 10 years, especially for fast service. Since they can also be used privately with removable reefing, the hurdle to driving such a Caddy, Kangoo or Transit Connect is lower, since the size is similar to that of a private car.
In addition, the changeover to electric mobility for these vans is more cost-effective overall due to the subsidies. In addition, the range of vehicles in this class is already relatively broad.
Hegla
This Renault Kangoo E-Tech with removable external reefing is suitable as a delivery vehicle for inner cities. It can also be adapted for private trips in no time at all.
GW-News - How will the trend continue?
Stachel - The trend towards e-mobility will continue for vehicles up to 3.5 t total load. Even though our customers' experiences so far have been positive overall, it will become clear in the coming months to what extent daily use will influence this assessment. In 2023, funding is to be cut, which will certainly have a negative influence on further development. It remains to be seen how fuel prices will change, whether they will remain at the current level or rise again. Electric vans and electric craftsmen's vehicles are particularly interesting for use in low emission zones in city centres. In addition, the awareness for more environmental protection could also further increase the number of electric vehicles. It remains to be seen which of these factors will ultimately prevail and what the supply situation for the models will be.
GW-News – Electric-mobility is one of the most discussed topics among fleet managers and in many companies. Do you see a purely electric fleet in the near future?
Stachel - We don't see a complete conversion to electric vehicles yet, even if it might be possible. It is difficult to implement in the area of 3.5 t total load and above, for which the range of vehicles is still quite small.
Nevertheless, there would be solutions here, too, if, for example, the e-truck were only used on fixed routes and the corresponding charging infrastructure was available at the starting and end points, and this would require even higher ranges.
Ultimately, the right vehicles must be available for the corresponding functions, so a mix is to be expected for the time being. The new electric vehicles are suitable for many things, be it inner-city use or daytime assembly. For long journeys, the classic combustion engine will still be available.
