All they need is for Ford or Benz to turn their bare bones cargo vans electric
You mean like this?
You mean like this?
You'll notice the Ford Transit EV still retains the traditional mechanical key, and also features a simple locking glove box that works off the same key.
But why do that when you could make the glove box electronically locking via bluetooth proximity over the infotainment.
People have deluded themselves into believing that EV's must be packed with superfluous electronics and other futuristic garbage, whilst it's just the drivetrain that's different.
I have an 18 year old VW T5 Transporter with light camper fitout, which will do 900km (550 miles) on a tank.
The Ford linked above claims 200km (120 miles) between charges, the Merc 95 miles.
These vans won't replace my can fory usecase, not yet, and not at that price.
They'd be reasonably for a delivery route I suppose.
200km is more than enough for a typical parcel delivery day.
Most of the Transits I see (in the UK) are not used to drive long distances in a day but to carry stuff around. Think electricians, plumbers, all those trades.
Even an Amazon delivery driver may not drive more than 200km a day. What they do is plenty of stops and I suspect it takes them hours to drive just 20km.
The ones with less range can be smaller, lighter, and so less expensive. If all you need is 120 miles, there it is.
Someone will make one with a bigger battery.
EDIT: Also, in many countries you can drive a van with a normal driver's license provided it's under, usually, 3.5 tonnes. Once you go over that you need a special license. 900kms worth of battery might make it difficult to fit a reasonable payload under the legal limit.
There are many people who never drive more than 100 miles a day. Why do they need a car with 200, 300 mile range? Not to mention we'll be investing in charging stations along the Interstates, so charge scarcity will be less of a problem.
Fleet vehicles are the perfect first adopters of EVs - they have been using alternative fuel sources for decades in the form of natural gas and LNG. They have short daily range, they go back to a central depot each shift.
It isn't awful range any more than a Mini has awful towing capacity for the person who never tows.