VAN Management 126

Autumn traditionally starts in the world of light commercial vehicles with the biennial IAA in Hannover on the one hand and our own Zero Emission Experience on the other. This year, both events also showed how wide the range of 100% electric vans is. And just as striking: the interest among potential buyers is great, which is in stark contrast to the currently still disappointing registration figures for electric vans.

And a better balance between supply and demand is welcome, because the disappointing sales are causing manufacturers to be at odds. Under pressure from European regulations on CO2 reduction, they were forced to invest billions in electrification, while it is mainly the sale of traditionally powered vehicles that brings in money. The billions in investments are now starting to take their toll... just when doubts are being cast on the feasibility of the strong European ambitions. And we also risk becoming embroiled in an import tariff war with China, which has a lot of the EV technology and materials that Western brands also need.

The solution? A pragmatic legislator who acts as a partner and provides practical and fiscal support to users, for example, but also a less dogmatic 'no' from (some of) those users themselves. With the right guidance and choices, partial electrification can not only provide a positive TCO story, but also further stimulate innovation. Let the law of supply and demand play a role before ill-considered laws no longer leave a choice. Perhaps you will be inspired by this magazine?