When your business depends on transporting refrigerated goods from A to B, it makes sense that you’d want an efficient and cost-effective vehicle. For many businesses in this position, an electric van is the natural choice. They’re strong but silent, cheaper to run and better for the environment – in fact, here at CoolVan, our electric fridge vans are some of our bestsellers! Even so, there are still a lot of drivers holding back. Along with range anxiety and worries over charging infrastructure, one of the biggest causes for concern is battery longevity. In fact, a study from early 2025 by AXA UK found that 37% of the motorists approached were mainly put off from purchasing an electric vehicle because of uncertainties over battery lifespan. But how valid are these concerns? Let’s take a look.
How long do EV batteries actually last?
If you’re putting off making the switch because of battery concerns, a recent study by Geotab could be quite reassuring. A previous 2019 analysis by the telematics leader found that, on average, EV batteries were degrading by 2.3% per year. When they repeated the analysis in 2024, this average degradation rate had decreased to 1.8% per year.
But what exactly does that mean? Put simply, it means that technology improvements are paying off. Based on these new figures, Geotab was able to predict that an EV battery could last for 20 or more years. Even better, the study found that battery degradation isn’t significantly impacted by increased use, so you don’t have to worry about cutting down on driving to protect your battery’s health. Of course, degradation will still occur, which means that vans will lose range over the years; however, according to Geotab, we can expect EVs to hold most of their range for more than 10 years, enabling you to avoid downtime for longer and get your money’s worth.
How can I make my electric fridge van’s battery last longer?
Some things you can’t control, and despite impressive improvements, battery degradation is inevitable. When every penny counts, it’s good to know that there are some steps you can take to ensure your electric battery lasts even longer, so you can keep meeting customer expectations and making the most of your fridge van.
- Avoid fully charging or completely draining your van’s battery – over time, this can actually cause it to degrade more quickly. Aim to keep your battery charge level between 20% and 80%. Similarly, if you go through a period where you aren’t going to be using your electric fridge van for a while, it’s best not to fully charge the van before parking it up – instead, make sure it’s half full.
- Avoid overusing DC chargers. This one might be a bit trickier, especially for businesses. DC chargers are most commonly found at places like motorway service stations, where drivers need a quick boost of energy, and they’re great for improving operational efficiency and minimising downtime. Even so, regular use can impact the battery’s lifespan in the long run.
- Always consider the impact temperature has on your battery. Geotab highlights the need for thermal management, as both very hot and very cold temperatures can speed up degradation. With this in mind, liquid cooling systems can help to extend an EV battery’s lifespan better than passive cooling systems. Take, for example, our Ford E-Transit L3 H2 350 Fridge Van, which uses liquid cooling systems to provide temperature uniformity across the battery pack, slowing the degradation process. With this in mind, it’s also a good idea to charge your electric fridge van overnight in hotter weather, taking advantage of the cooler ambient temperatures. Similarly, try to park in a covered garage in winter, and in shaded spots on warm days.
- Prioritise smooth, careful driving. When you’re operating a van that represents your business, the way you drive can really impact your reputation – and your battery’s lifespan! Avoid sudden, aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these behaviours can cause your battery to degrade at a faster rate.
So, if you’ve been thinking about making the move to electric fridge vans, could this be the nudge you need? You’re definitely in the right place! With a range of competitively priced models from leading brands like Vauxhall and Ford ready to go, we’ve got an electric fridge van for you, whether you’re transporting food, flowers or pharmaceuticals. All of our fridge vans are built to last, so you can enjoy both the van and the battery for a long time to come.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0161 751 7140, fill out our contact form or email us at [email protected] – our team will be happy to steer you in the right direction!
