How to Choose Your Electric Cargo Vehicles
How to Choose Your Electric Cargo Vehicles
- Introduction: The rise of electric cargo vehicles
Electric vehicle are an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, powered by batteries and driven by electric motors, used for small-scale cargo transport or passenger carrying. They are currently widely used for short-distance travel by urban and rural residents, personal logistics, and sanitation work. Because electric vehicles are driven by batteries and high-powered electric motors, they are quieter and more environmentally friendly.
Compared to traditional, classic large cargo vehicles, standard electric vehicles are approximately three meters long and 1.3 meters wide, making them smaller and easier to maneuver in narrow streets and complex traffic environments. They do not require dedicated extra-long parking spaces and can even be parked sideways on the edge of sidewalks for unloading, whereas trucks generally require much more space. Therefore, they are ideal for transporting goods in urban areas, farms, orchards, and similar environments.
Furthermore, with rising fuel prices and increasingly severe environmental changes globally, electric vehicles are a more suitable alternative, especially for short-distance transportation and in rural or suburban scenarios, where their advantages are even more pronounced.
- Determine your primary purpose
This is the first step to consider when purchasing an electric vehicle, as it directly determines the vehicle's configuration requirements.
- Distance: Requires flexibility for urban commuting and a closed cargo box.
- Agricultural/Rural Use: Emphasizes climbing ability, load capacity, and an open cargo bed.
- Recreational/Passenger: For family use or commuting, focus on comfort and safety.
Before buying an electric cargo vehicle, consider your purpose for purchasing it. If it's for short-distance freight transport between two locations within the city, a model with a smaller motor and capacity is suitable. If the goods being transported need to be waterproof, choose a model with a closed cargo box. However, if you're transporting goods in more challenging road conditions or in mountainous areas transporting agricultural products, consider a model with a higher load capacity and a larger motor.
- Key Technical Specifications
Choosing the right electric cargo vehicle is crucial for improving efficiency and reliability. Several key features should be considered before purchasing an electric cargo vehicle.
- Battery type
When it comes to battery type, you can choose between lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries. For the same volume or weight, lithium batteries can store more energy, resulting in longer range, higher efficiency, and a longer lifespan for electric vehicles. However, they are more expensive, more sensitive to temperature, have higher safety requirements, and more stringent charging requirements. Lead-acid batteries are generally more affordable, safer, and have relatively stable performance. They are less demanding in terms of charging conditions, but they are larger and heavier, have shorter range than lithium batteries, are not suitable for long-distance transportation, and have a shorter lifespan compared to lithium batteries.
- Battery capacity
For electrically powered devices, battery capacity is a crucial factor, as it determines the vehicle's range on a single charge. For businesses requiring long-distance delivery, a larger capacity battery should be selected.
- Motor Power
The power of the motor affects vehicle performance, especially when carrying heavy loads or driving on inclines. A more powerful motor provides better acceleration and hill-climbing ability.
Most electric cargo vehicle use motors with power ranging from 800 watts to 3000 watts. For transporting heavy loads or driving on rough roads, it is recommended to choose an electric cargo vehicle equipped with a high-power motor.
- Payload Capacity
The required cargo capacity varies depending on the scenario in which electric vehicles are used. Some vehicles are equipped with large cargo boxes, employ multi-layered leaf-shaped suspension systems, and can carry hundreds of kilograms of cargo. Small vans can carry 100 kg, while slightly larger three-wheeled or four-wheeled electric vehicles can withstand at least 500 kg. Choosing a model that meets the cargo-carrying requirements is crucial.
- Build Quality and Design
Chassis & Frame: The materials and manufacturing processes used in vehicle production significantly impact its lifespan. Vehicles constructed with high-strength steel will have a longer service life and directly affect the vehicle's load-bearing capacity.
The manufacturing process of the frame's steel components is also crucial. Most composite steels contain iron and are prone to rust, making electrophoretic coating essential. The surface paint application is equally important, directly affecting the vehicle's lifespan and appearance.
Tires & Braking System: Freight vehicles must be equipped with reliable drum or disc brake systems and anti-skid, wear-resistant tires.
The following two models from AMOTO could be the great choices for most requirements.
Both models have get the EEC approval, and each vehicle has an EU Certificate of Conformity. This caters to diverse customer needs, including those requiring EEC certification and those not.
The A31 is a three-wheeled model, equipped with a standard 2000W motor and a 72V 65AH lead-acid battery, along with a 1450*1060*625mm cargo platform. Theoretically, it can carry a maximum load of 700kg.
The A41 is a four-wheeled electric model, equipped with a standard 3000W motor and a 72V 106AH lithium iron phosphate battery. Its 1374*1267*674mm loading platform can theoretically support a load of 800kg.
Both models are ideal for cargo transportation, suitable for both urban transport and transporting farm produce in farms and orchards.
- Maintenance and Longevity
Routine Checks: Tire pressure, brake fluid, battery charge/discharge specifications.
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frequency
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items
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weekly check
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Check tire pressure
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Check brake sensitivity.
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Check battery wiring is correct.
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Check battery securely mounted.
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month check
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Check the wiring harness for wear and aging.
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Check the front and rear wheel axle nuts for looseness.
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Check the lights for proper functioning.
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Check the horn for proper functioning.
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quarterly check
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Check if the battery voltage is normal.
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Check if the controller shows signs of water ingress or overheating.
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Check the brake pad/ brake disc wear.
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Check the vehicle's wiring and bolts for proper functioning.
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every 1000km
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Inspect and tighten all vehicle bolts and replace rear axle gear oil.
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every 3000km
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Check the brake system sensitivity and brake pad thickness, replace severely worn brake pads, and top up brake fluid as needed.
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every 5000km
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Check if the tires are steerable and avoid rotating them to prevent wear.
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every 10000km
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Check the insulation of the high-voltage wiring harness for damage and replace it promptly. Clean the dust accumulated on the outside of the motor.
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Waterproofing: If waterproofing is required, ensure the motor and controller are waterproof before purchasing. Most devices nowadays have adequate waterproofing, so everyday splashes won't cause any problems. However, it's advisable to avoid prolonged driving or submersion in water to prevent safety hazards.
- Legal and Safety Considerations
Compliance: Whether electric cargo vehicles are permitted to operate locally, whether relevant procedures and documents are required, and whether the dealer needs to assist in providing necessary qualification certificates should be carefully consulted before purchasing to avoid losses.
Safety Features: Three-wheeled or four-wheeled trucks with a cab are equipped with complete safety features, such as rearview mirrors, turn signals, reflectors, and seat belts. It is recommended to carefully check for these essential features before purchasing. The lack of necessary safety features may lead to a poor driving experience or accidents.
- Cost&Value Analysis
Ownership includes electricity costs, maintenance costs, and expected lifespan.
Compared to traditional gasoline-powered vans, electric cargo vehicle are cheaper to purchase. With rising fuel prices in most parts of the world, electricity costs are also lower than gasoline/diesel costs. Furthermore, electric cargo vehicles have a simpler structure, resulting in lower maintenance and parts costs. Therefore, the total cost of owning a small electric cargo vehicle is lower.
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