JAMES DALLAS'S BLOG: The burning issue

Date: Tuesday, April 10, 2018

There is simply no getting away from the burning issue of fuel at the moment in the light commercial vehicle industry, and whether there’s a viable alternative to diesel – the source of power for the vast majority of vans and pick-up trucks on the country’s roads.

When it comes to long-distance assignments there really is little other option.

The limitations of petrol from a fuel economy perspective are well known, while the latest Euro6 diesel powerplants, which are cleaner and more efficient than ever, are the blindingly obvious choice – a fact that is frustratingly overlooked by those in the mainstream media and government, who seem intent on demonising the fuel.

However, for urban operators covering shorter, set routes it’s a different ball game.

With the roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) technology to large vans they begin to make compelling sense for last-mile delivery businesses.

Hence, we run the rule over EV pioneer Renault’s debut plug-in large van, the Master Z.E., to see if it can cut the mustard as a practical, load-lugging city workhorse.

The Master Z.E. will be just one of the many highlights at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on 24-26 April, and for a full preview of the biggest event in the UK CV industry’s calendar, head here.

James Dallas is the Editor of What Van?

What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide