Harris Group distributes and retails Maxus vehicles across right hand drive Europe and, in less than a decade, has launched eight all-electric vehicles including the highly regarded eDELIVER range of LCVs. We started by asking Mark about the second-hand market.
Mark Barrett, MD of Group Franchise at Harris Group, answers your questions on commercial electric vehicles and making the switch for business.
Is it best to buy a new or second-hand eLCV?
Mark Barrett: You can’t beat that feeling of sitting behind the wheel of a brand new vehicle for the first time. But the advantages go far beyond the aesthetics particularly when it comes to technology and battery life, which are advancing year-on-year and are therefore more advanced in the latest models.
Newer models also tend to have bigger batteries, faster charging, better range and improved charging capabilities and owners can avail of better grant and scrappage schemes. And then of course there’s the warranty: at Maxus, for example, every new EV comes with a five-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year warranty on the high voltage battery.
Buying a second-hand EV can be a more budget-friendly option, while still giving drivers the opportunity to cut down on their carbon footprint, energy and maintenance costs. Second-hand can be a great entry level option for those moving to EV for the first time and of course, by being used, you're supporting a circular economy and reducing the demand for new resources.
Ultimately it will be a question of budget and the logistics and day-today needs of the business or driver. At Maxus, we provide all customers with a step-by-step guide to transitioning to EV and will help you to make the right decision at the right time for your business.
I’m a sole trader with just my own van to consider and average daily mileage of around 150 miles. Should I install a home charger or rely on the public charging system? I
Mark Barrett: Home chargers can be hugely convenient allowing you to charge your EV overnight and start each day with a full battery. This can save you time and reduce dependency on public charging infrastructure, which, as we all know can oftentimes be busy, out of order or not conveniently located.
Home chargers are also typically more cost-effective in the long run, but do ensure you are on the right tariff to avail of the best rates so you can charge your van during off-peak hours.
While there is an initial installation cost, the savings on charging rates compared to public chargers can quickly add up and there are often grants available for home charging wall box installation. There are other variables such as battery size, the range of the vehicle and the unit rate of electricity.
For your needs, most new electric vans, including the Maxus eDeliver range will more than cover your average daily mileage.
All that being said, relying on the public charging system can be a viable option if you have easy access to charging points, particularly fast chargers. It might also be more suitable if your driving patterns involve long distances where you can plan charging stops along your route.
Which Maxus van is best for my business?
Mark Barrett: Great question and of course, the answer lies in the type of business you have, the distances you are covering and the cargo you are carrying. For business owners with small cargo loads, I recommend looking at the new stylish Maxus eDeliver 5.
With it’s attractive two-tone exterior option, versatility and fantastic range (even exceeding that of the nifty eDeliver 3) it’s the perfect vehicle to catch people’s attention and has all the technology you need at your fingertips for a mobile office on the go.
Our eDeliver 3 is another great option and is favoured by many small businesses, such as florists, bakeries and local courier companies making daily deliveries.
For those who need more cargo space, the mid-size eDeliver 7 or larger eDeliver 9 are ideal. The eDeliver 9 offers 11m3 of storage space and a max payload of 1290KG. The vehicle offers a range of up to 211 miles on a single charge (90kWh battery, WLTP combined) and can be fast charged to 80% in 45 minutes, allowing businesses to stay on the road for longer.
Meanwhile the eDeliver 7 offers a range of up to 230 miles on a single charge (Urban/City), an impressive payload capacity of up to 1135kgs, and cargo volume of 8.7m3, taking efficiency and versatility to the next level.
