A lack of knowledge across auctions and dealerships is undermining used electric van demand and residual values, according to industry specialist Paul Kirby.
The former LeasePlan head of commercial vehicles and EV Café co-founder has launched Electric Vanman in response, targeting SMEs, owner-drivers and fleet customers looking for greater confidence when buying used electric vans.
Kirby said gaps in the information available to auctions, sellers, dealers and customers were preventing the market from making well-informed purchasing and valuation decisions.
Kirby said: “There is a problem with residual values and that is driven by a lack of knowledge in the auction centres, buyers, sellers and the consumer.
“There is not enough insight to make good decisions.”
Electric Vanman challenges existing dealer approach
Electric Vanman, based near Sandy in Bedfordshire, will provide buyers with battery health information, warranties and advice on whether an electric van is suitable for their operation.
Kirby said customers were approaching the company because they had been unable to obtain sufficient guidance elsewhere in the motor trade.
Kirby said: “People are coming to me because they can’t get the insight and information they need from franchised and independent dealers to make a good, qualified decision.”
The business will source used electric vans directly from manufacturers, leasing companies and fleets rather than relying principally on auction channels.
Kirby said Electric Vanman was intended to challenge the industry to improve the way it sells used electric commercial vehicles.
He explained: “We set the business up to help buyers make good decisions, to challenge the market and to be an irritant – we all have to try harder to sell these vehicles.”
Ensure you always receive AM insights. Make us a preferred source of news on Google
Battery testing aims to reduce buyer risk
Every van sold will receive an independent battery health certificate from Aviloo.
The certificate includes a one-year or 12,500-mile warranty providing protection against potential battery state-of-health defects, helping buyers understand and manage the risk associated with the vehicle.
Electric Vanman will also include a six-month vehicle warranty from Warranty Solutions Group as standard, with customers able to extend the cover for up to two years.
A vehicle sustainability calculator developed with Octopus Electroverse will allow customers to compare acquisition, energy and maintenance costs.
Purchasing recommendations will be based on the proposed duty cycle, route suitability, charging access and the terms of the vehicle deal.
The business has secured stocking finance from DF Capital and has also been appointed as a sales agent for electric commercial vehicle manufacturer Farizon under a sale-or-return agreement.
Electric Vanman aims to sell between 30 and 35 used electric vans during its first year.
Kirby plans to increase annual volumes to between 200 and 300 vehicles over the next two to three years, targeting fleets typically operating between 50 and 250 vehicles.