Recent months have seen a number of UK companies putting all-electric vans and 7.5t trucks into operation on urban duties.

The most popular choice at present seems to be the Smith Electric Vehicles Edison – a Ford Transit converted to all-electric operation. The Edison provides an impressive 150 miles range and maintains a 1,500kg payload with a gross vehicle weight of under 3.5t – making it exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

The Edison has a restricted top speed of 50mph – presumably to avoid the batteries being drained too quickly by excessive speed – which should be more than adequate for any urban deliveries.

Customers so far include A Plant – a London-based plant hire firm, as well as household names like Sainsbury Online, TNT Express and Scottish & Southern Energy, who is adding the Edison to its 6,000 strong commercial vehicle fleet.

An alternative electric-powered option has also been produced by UK company Modec, who have developed an all-new electric van design providing a payload of up to 2,000kg. The Modec van has already been adopted by equipment hire firm Speedy Hire for London use – and it seems certain that other companies with intensive urban operations will follow suit.

I can’t see many of these all-electric vans making their way into rental fleets; their limited range and speed mean that they are only really suitable for dedicated urban use at present. However, the rapidly-growing popularity of electric power just goes to support the case for hybrid power – surely the best of both worlds?