Fiat E-Scudo Charges Ahead with New Distance Record
In a recent display of endurance and efficiency, the Fiat E-Scudo van has carved its name into the Guinness World Record books, achieving a record-setting distance of 311 miles on a single electric charge. While the endeavour was a success, it’s important to look at the full picture and gauge the overall significance of this achievement.
The Setting
Three drivers – Kevin Booker, Sam Clarke, and Fergal McGrath – manoeuvred this unmodified van, armed with a 75kWh battery, across a circular route weaving through Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. They achieved an impressive average of 4.5mi/kWh, all while the van was shod with Bridgestone’s energy-efficient Duravis tyres. The entire journey spanned 13 hours and nine minutes, a testament to the drivers’ resilience and the van’s endurance.
The Significance
Fiat UK’s MD, Damien Dally, has touted the E-Scudo’s new record as a beacon for businesses keen on making the electric switch. Given its official WLTP range of 205 miles, this journey showcased the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) when managed efficiently. But does this necessarily mean all businesses can expect such extended performances on a regular basis?
The Real-World Implication
While the record is impressive, it was accomplished under controlled conditions. The actual day-to-day use of the E-Scudo for businesses might not always mirror this achievement, especially when considering variables like load, terrain, and driving style. The route was carefully chosen to reflect ‘real-world’ conditions, but ‘real world’ can be subjective, varying between city hauls and countryside deliveries.
The Company Behind
This isn’t just a win for Fiat. The E-Scudo stands on the Stellantis medium van platform, linking it closely to siblings such as the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace, and Vauxhall Vivaro. And the support from Bridgestone, with their low rolling resistance tyres, played a significant role in this endeavour.
The Larger Picture
As the push for green energy and sustainable mobility grows, records like this become more than just numbers. They signify progress, potential, and a peek into a future where EVs might be the standard. As McGrath highlighted, the transition to pure electric commercial vehicles in towns and cities is essential, and this record serves as a stepping stone.
A Word of Caution
The AA’s Edmund King reminds us of the lingering ‘range anxiety’ among potential EV adopters. While the E-Scudo’s recent journey is a monumental step, one must remember that not all journeys will achieve such figures, underscoring the need for more widespread infrastructure and charging solutions.
