Can an Electric Luton Handle a Real Working Day?

There’s still uncertainty around electric commercial vehicles, particularly when it comes to range, payload and day-to-day usability.

So rather than talk about it, we tested it.

We took a Ford E-Transit chassis, converted with a Luton body and tail lift, and put it through a typical local working day.

The setup

• Half a tonne payload
  
• Around 80 miles of driving
  
• 11 separate stops
  
• Tail lift used at each location
  
• Urban and local road routes
  
• Vehicle started at 97% charge
  
  

The result

Over roughly three and a half hours, the vehicle completed the planned route comfortably.
Carrying half a tonne, stopping regularly, and operating the tail lift at every location, it performed exactly as it would in day-to-day fleet use.

Drivability stood out immediately. Acceleration is responsive, and overall refinement was impressive. Most importantly, it handled the route comfortably within its available charge.

What this means for operators

Electric Lutons are increasingly practical for:

• Local delivery routes
  
• Multi-drop operations
  
• Urban and regional contracts
  
• Businesses returning to base each night
  
  

Real-world testing proves that EVs are not just a future idea, they are a practical solution fleets are adapting to right now.

Top FAQs we get asked about electric Luton's

Q: How far can an electric Luton go on a single charge?

A: Range varies by payload, driving style, and route, but in real working conditions, a Ford E-Transit with a Luton body comfortably covered 80 miles with half a tonne of payload.

Q: Can an EV Luton handle heavy equipment like tail lifts?

A: Yes - repeated use of the tail lift during a typical working day did not affect performance or range.

Q: How long does an EV Luton take to charge?

A: Charging times depend on the charger type, but for daily local work, overnight charging is usually sufficient to meet operational needs.

Q: Is an EV Luton suitable for multi-stop routes?

A: Absolutely - our test included 11 stops over 80 miles, and the vehicle handled it without issue.