From diesel to gas to electric, what are the options available for cargo vans?

From diesel to gas to electric, what are the options available for cargo vans?

Photo: Lightning eMotors/RAM/Work Truck

Cargo vans are essential for many businesses, from transporting goods to delivering products to customers.

Today, cargo vans are available in a range of options, including gas, hybrid, and electric, with each offering unique advantages and features.

In this article, we will explore the latest cargo vans available for your fleet’s needs, along with the benefits.

Whether you are looking for a fuel-efficient option or an eco-friendly solution, from smaller van options to their larger counterparts, there is a cargo van to accommodate your fleet!

Efficiency and Power — Diesel Cargo Vans

For fleet managers looking for fuel efficiency, durability, and towing power, a diesel cargo van is the winner.

While diesel engines have historically been known for producing more emissions than gasoline engines, modern diesel engines are designed to meet stringent emissions standards and can be more environmentally friendly than their gasoline counterparts.

Diesel engines offer greater low-end power, making them ideal for stop-and-go driving or heavy loads.

The new diesel cargo van available is the Mercedes-Benz 2023 Sprinter van.

The model-year 2023 Sprinter includes four key upgrades: a new all-wheel-drive system, a new engine package, a new transmission, and additional safety features. The van also comes with a network of pre-qualified eXpert-Upfitters, specifically skilled at tailoring the van to complete any job.

The 2023 Sprinter van has a diesel engine available.

The 2023 Sprinter van has a diesel engine available. 

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

The Popular Choice — Gas Cargo Vans

Lower upfront cost: Gas cargo vans are typically less expensive to purchase than their electric or hybrid counterparts, making them a more accessible option for small businesses.

  • Widespread availability: Gasoline is readily available at gas stations across the country, so finding a place to refuel is rarely an issue.
  • Higher driving range: Gas cargo vans have a longer driving range than electric or hybrid models, which can benefit businesses needing to cover longer distances.

2023 Ford Transit Cargo Van — The van has an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, 10-speed automatic transmission and impressive max payload, available as its features. The engines available include a 3.5L V6 or a 3.5: EcoBoost V6 engine. It also has towing capabilities.

The 2023 Ford Transit Cargo Van has a wide variety of features available for customization.

The 2023 Ford Transit Cargo Van has a wide variety of features available for customization. 

Photo: Ford

2023 Ram Promaster — With a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, it delivers 276 horsepower and is paired with a TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides is designed for power and fuel efficiency on the worksite. Additionally, the 2023 Ram ProMaster has front-wheel drive and an Electronic Park Brake, which can result in reduced maintenance time and increased time on the road.

Going Green — Electric Cargo Vans

Want to go fully electric? Electric cargo vans offer the benefits of reduced operating costs, tax incentives, and zero emissions.

On top of that, driving an EV is less expensive per mile than driving a gas-powered vehicle, according to the Zero Emission Transportation Association. And in some states, its even cheaper to drive EVs because of higher gas prices.

And now, there are more options than ever for electric cargo vans.

The latest electric cargo vans include:

Lightning eMotors ZEV3 — The Lightning ZEV3 Transit cargo van is available in battery-electric versions with 140-mile and 200-mile ranges. Lightning eMotors stated it’s reliable, efficient, produces zero emissions, and has fast charging capabilities.

The Lightning ZEV3 features a powertrain with three battery packs.

The Lightning ZEV3 features a powertrain with three battery packs.

Photo: Lightning eMotors

Mullen Class 1 Cargo Van — The van has an estimated range of 155 miles plus and a 38.7-kWh battery pack. The vehicle is designed with a modular cargo area of 144 cubic feet that can be readily customized to suit various client configuration needs.

Ford E-Transit — The vehicle has eight different configurations, including three roof heights and three body lengths, plus cutaway and chassis cab versions to fulfill multiple applications.

Bottom Line

In the end, whether you want to replace cargo vans in your fleet or add them to your fleet, you have options in every fuel category. With a variety of safety, prices, roof heights, and more customizations, there will be something to fit your fleet. 

For the latest news on cargo vans and light- and medium-duty trucks, sign up for our eNewsletters that send out weekly!

About the author
Hillary Weiss

Hillary Weiss

Senior Editor

Hillary Weiss is a former senior editor at Bobit. She has a decade of digital publishing experience and a passion for all things related to fleets.

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