Webfleet sets EV van range record

Bridgestone shares that its Webfleet fleet management solution has “smashed” the Guiness World Records title for the greatest distance travelled by an electric van on a single charge. Webfleet-sponsored drivers Kevin Booker, Sam Clarke and Fergal McGrath drove a Fiat E-Scudo fitted with Bridgestone Duravis tyres 311.18 miles (500.8 km) in total.

Independently verified video footage, odometer, GPS and battery level data from Webfleet show that the compact van, with a 75kWh battery and a WLTP of 205 miles, averaged 4.5 miles per kilowatt hour (kWh) on a circular route across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. The journey took 13 hours and nine minutes during daylight hours.

The FIAT E-Scudo was not modified in any way and the route combined urban and rural roads to replicate ‘real world’ conditions. Webfleet specifically chose the E-Scudo for the challenge as it offers “best-in-class range and comfort-first design.” And as Bridgestone comments, the Duravis tyres Webfleet selected were viewed as a “critical component” in the world record attempt as they offer “outstanding mileage and low rolling resistance.”

Determination & technological ingenuity

“This remarkable achievement is testimony to the determination and technological ingenuity of all those involved,” says Beverley Wise, Webfleet regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “We’re thrilled to have become a Guinness World Records title holder. The previous record of 258.85 miles was set in the US, bringing it to the UK is symbolic of our nationwide commitment to become a global leader in e-mobility.

“The record demonstrates not only the capabilities of electric vans and advanced Bridgestone tyre technology for businesses and urban mobility, but also the impact that drivers can have on electric vehicle (EV) energy consumption.”

Taco van der Leij, vice president Fleet Management Solutions Europe for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, adds that “connected EV data plays a vital role in electrifying mobility” as it enables business fleets to “monitor driver behaviour, compare their energy performance and even analyse kinetic energy recovered through regenerative braking to provide targeted coaching where it’s needed most.”

Smooth transition to zero emissions

“We are delighted that the Fiat E-Scudo has registered its first ever Guinness World Records title, and an impressive one at that as the furthest distance ever travelled by a van on a single charge,” says Damien Dally, managing director Fiat UK. “E-Scudo already has a range of 205 miles, which is perfect for businesses wanting to make the switch to electric, and this shows when driven efficiently just how much further the van can go beyond its WLTP range.”

McGrath and Booker both hold held previous records for petrol and diesel fuel economy and energy consumption in an electric car. They have now amassed six and four driving-related Guinness World Records titles respectively, while Clarke has now successfully completed his first.

“The reduction of carbon emissions and improvement of air quality are among the highest priorities for governments all over the world, especially in cities where air pollution is the worst,” comments McGrath. “We are seeing the recent expansion of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), for example, from 23 August 2023. Trucks and vans are predominantly powered by diesel and so it is important that the transition to pure electric with zero tailpipe emissions is as smooth as possible.

“By achieving this Guinness World Records title, we are hoping to demonstrate that pure electric commercial vehicles can meet and exceed customer requirements in the real world, especially in large towns and cities.”

Alleviating range anxiety

The AA provided official adjudication and EV support services for the record attempt. “A huge well done to the Webfleet team for achieving the Guinness World Records title and showing us what’s possible in terms of EV range and how drivers can impact range,” states Edmund King OBE, AA president. “The achievement is all the more impressive being conducted in a van. We know range anxiety is a concern for some drivers, so demonstrating how far electric vehicles can run on one charge is hugely positive.

“We’re proud to be the number one provider of EV support services for drivers, helping individuals and fleets alike embrace electrification with confidence, so it was fantastic to play our part in this World Record achievement.”