Let’s talk about… electric vans

As the world shifts toward more sustainable energy sources and reduced carbon emissions, electric vans (EVs) are becoming an increasingly important part of field service management. For companies using platforms like Salesforce Field Service, this shift offers both opportunities and challenges. While electric vans are heralded as environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run, they bring unique issues that field service organisations must address—particularly around range, efficiency, and logistics.

Here’s why electric vans are a hot topic in field service and how they’re reshaping operational strategies.

1. They’re Not Pretty

Let’s be honest: electric vans aren’t pretty. They’re often viewed as bulky, slow, and lacking in the sleek design that modern diesel or petrol vans might offer. However, what they lack in aesthetics, they make up for in environmental benefits and cost savings over time. Electric vans are quieter, produce zero emissions, and help companies align with the growing demand for green, eco-friendly solutions.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the visual appeal of a van is likely the least of a company’s worries. The real issue lies in how these vans perform in the field and how their limitations can impact service efficiency.

2. A Radius of 186 Miles (Unloaded)

A typical electric van has a range of approximately 186 miles on a full charge when it’s unloaded. While this may be adequate for short-distance urban routes, it presents a challenge for field service engineers working in rural areas or needing to cover larger territories. Range anxiety—the fear of running out of charge before reaching the next charging station—can become a real concern for drivers and managers alike.

This limited range means that careful planning is essential to ensure vans are used efficiently. It also means that there’s a tighter boundary around where vans can travel in a single day. If the service area exceeds this radius, additional vans or charging stops will need to be factored into planning, which could lead to longer response times and reduced service efficiency.

3. Unknown Radius When Filled with Spares

The situation becomes even more complex when the van is filled with spare parts. The range of an electric van decreases as the load increases. While exact data on range reduction varies depending on the weight of the load, it’s clear that fully stocked vans will have a shorter range than their unloaded counterparts.

This adds pressure on inventory management. Service organisations need to balance the need for spare parts against the impact on van range. Should engineers carry every possible part they might need, reducing the van’s range and risking more frequent charging? Or should they carry fewer spares and risk being unable to complete a job on the first visit? The need for strategic decision-making around loading electric vans is more critical than ever.

4. Pushes Inventory Closer to the Client

As a result of the limited range of electric vans, many service organisations are starting to push inventory closer to the client. Rather than relying on centralised warehouses or hubs, spare parts are being stored in smaller, decentralised locations nearer to the customer base. This way, engineers can reduce the load they need to carry, thus maximising the van’s range while still having easy access to the parts they need.

This shift in inventory management also means that parts must be tracked more meticulously. It’s essential to know which parts are stored where, to avoid unnecessary delays. Salesforce Field Service can play a critical role here, offering real-time tracking of inventory levels and allowing organisations to make data-driven decisions about where to position parts to best support their service operations.

5. Increases Pressure on First-Time Fixes

The rise of electric vans also puts increased pressure on the concept of the first-time fix. With a more limited range and careful load management required, it’s more important than ever that service engineers can complete a job in a single visit. Every trip counts, and if an engineer has to return to the depot to pick up additional parts or equipment, it eats into valuable time and range, potentially leading to delays and decreased customer satisfaction.

To optimise first-time fix rates, engineers need access to accurate, real-time information about the equipment they’ll be servicing, the history of previous visits, and diagnostic tools to ensure they’re fully prepared. Here, Salesforce Field Service can be instrumental by providing the data and insights engineers need to increase their chances of resolving issues on the first visit.

6. Route Optimisation Is a Necessity Now

Given the limited range and charging requirements of electric vans, route optimisation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. With fewer miles to play with and potential delays caused by charging stops, ensuring engineers take the most efficient routes is vital to maintaining service levels.

Salesforce Field Service can help by using AI-powered tools to plan the most efficient routes, taking into account factors like traffic, distance, and proximity to charging stations. Route optimisation helps ensure that engineers can complete as many jobs as possible in a single day without running out of charge or wasting time on inefficient travel.

Not only does route optimisation maximise efficiency, but it also contributes to the sustainability goals that electric vans aim to support by minimising unnecessary mileage and emissions. Moreover, it reduces wear and tear on the vans, prolonging their battery life and ensuring they stay on the road longer between charging cycles.

Conclusion: Electric Vans Are Changing the Game

Electric vans are rapidly becoming a fixture in field service, but they bring with them unique challenges that service organisations need to address. From limited range and reduced efficiency when fully loaded, to the need for optimised inventory and route planning, electric vans require a different operational mindset.

Salesforce Field Service can help field service organisations adapt to these challenges. By integrating real-time data, predictive analytics, and AI-powered route optimisation, companies can make smarter decisions about how to use their electric van fleets effectively. Ultimately, these vans may not be “pretty,” but with the right tools and strategies, they can become a key part of a more sustainable and efficient field service operation.

As the world continues to shift towards greener solutions, field service organisations will need to embrace electric vans, but success will depend on their ability to manage these challenges efficiently. The conversation around electric vans in field service is just beginning, but it’s clear that they’re here to stay—and that they will push the industry to think differently about how to balance sustainability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.