Can You Rent Electric Cargo Vans? What You Need to Know

Since 1990, transportation has accounted for 26 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, making it the second-largest contributing sector in North America. As a result, many manufacturers are releasing electric vehicles to make transportation more eco-friendly. 

Most people think of compact cars when they imagine electric vehicles, but nowadays, there are plenty of full-size models. The cargo van is one of the most popular heavy-duty commercial vehicles with an electric motor. 

Although electric vehicles are yet to be the standard in the transportation industry, they are growing in popularity and are more affordable to obtain than in previous years. So, if you're considering renting a cargo van, why not make it an electric one?

In this article, we will review some of the features of electric cargo vans and guide you through the process of renting one from AVR. Keep reading to learn about this topic in detail!

Can You Rent Electric Cargo Vans? 

Yes, you can rent electric cargo vans. It's simply a matter of finding a rental company that offers them. 

Thankfully, van rental companies are starting to offer more sustainable choices by expanding their fleet of electric vehicles. As a result, finding electric cargo van rentals should be relatively easy as more companies invest in sustainability. 

Where to Rent an Electric Cargo Van

So far, only a few companies rent out electric cargo vans. You may need help finding this type of vehicle, depending on where you live in North America. We've compiled a brief list of companies offering electric cargo vans in various locations to make it a little easier. 

AVR

In addition to gas-powered cargo vans, AVR is proud to offer our customers Brightdrop Zevo electric cargo vans. Not only is this vehicle efficient, but it's packed with features that make it easier to get the job done while keeping you safe. 

Our cargo vans are the perfect choice for transporting large items, moving houses, or helping your teen relocate to college. Best of all, there are over a dozen AVR locations across the nation, making it easy for you to rent an electric van no matter where you are. We also allow you to pick your vehicle up at one location and drop it off at another.

You can learn more about our electric cargo vans here. 

Penske

Recently, Penske acquired a fleet of Ford E-Transit cargo vans. These light-duty electric vehicles are the first the company offers with zero tailpipe emissions. The Ford Transit features a high roof, rear-wheel drive, and an estimated range of 126 miles. It also has a cool feature called Pro Power Onboard, which charges your electric power tools on the go. 

COOP by Ryder

COOP isn't a rental company per se but rather a vehicle-sharing platform. Businesses with idle trucks and vans rent them to commercial customers to generate revenue. Some of their popular rental listings are electric trucks and cargo vans, but the availability depends on location and tends to fluctuate. 

What to Know Before Renting Electric Cargo Vans 

Before you rent any cargo van, there are some things you should consider. You'll want to make sure the vehicle has plenty of cargo space and can handle the job you need to get done. Be sure to look at specs like roof heights (high roof, medium roof, or low roof) and horsepower. 

With electric cargo vans, there are some extra considerations you should take into account, such as range and charging time. 

Features to Expect

If it's your first time renting an electric cargo van, you're probably curious about the features they offer. We'll break them down, so you know exactly what to expect!

Easy-Access

One of the great things about AVR's electric cargo vans is their low step-in height (15.49 inches). This design is possible thanks to the electric powertrain, making loading and unloading shipments a breeze. You'll get the job done faster and without hurting your back!

Superior Safety Features 

Our Brightdrop Zevo electric vans are equipped with several safety features, including:

• HD rear vision cameras

• Automatic emergency braking

• Front pedestrian braking

• Forward collision alerts

• Motion-sensor cargo lights to deter theft

They also have optional blind zone steering assistance and rear pedestrian alerts. 

Plenty of Cargo Space and Capacity

The cargo area has a capacity of over 600 cubic feet and measures 82 inches tall and 83.68 inches wide. 

In addition, our electric cargo vans have a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,990 lbs and an estimated payload of 2,200 lbs. Keep in mind that this can vary depending on the wheelbase and chassis cab.

When to Charge Your Van

Customers tend to worry about charging their electric van when they've never operated one. The good news is that your electric vehicle doesn't need to be charged as often as you imagine. The Brightdrop Zevo has 250 miles of range, enough to complete an entire Amazon route!

Moreover, it has features that extend the range while you drive. One of these great features is the regenerative braking system. As you ease off the gas pedal, the van slows to a stop. With this system, you don't need to use the brake pedal at all. During deceleration, the vehicle recovers energy, so your battery pack actually charges as it slows down. This system can extend your van's range by miles!

The Brightdrop Zevo has a dual charging port, but most drivers stick with the faster 120kw DC charging, which refuels the battery at a rate of 160 miles of range per hour.

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Where to Charge Your Vehicle

When you pick your van up from the rental company, it will have a full charge. You can get pretty far without charging your electric van, so if you won't be traveling far or plan on renting the vehicle for a short time, you may not even need to use the charger. Still, you'll want to know where you can plug in if needed. 

Nowadays, there are an increasing number of public charging points. Try to check out those available in your area before renting an electric cargo van. Don't worry about memorizing their locations—most electric vehicles have a navigation system with a database of nearby charging stations. If your rental doesn't have this feature, you can download one of the many apps that helps you find charging stations. 

Get the Rental You Need with AVR

Zero-emissions commercial vehicles are a step in the right direction for our planet! At AVR, we want to help you do your part by offering electric cargo vans at a great price. Plus, we have convenient pick-up locations near some of the country's biggest airports.

They're perfect for your next big move, delivery, or a trip to IKEA. Who knows? You may even purchase an electric van of your own after learning of the fantastic incentives of using one! 

If you are still determining whether an electric cargo van is the right rental for you, contact our helpful customer support team online or by phone. We can help you reserve the vehicle that'll get the job done!