Practical Operation of Electric Vehicles in Industry

The battery electric vehicle has had limited success except in the United Kingdom, where large fleets operate mainly for the dairy industry. Changing social conditions are now bringing modifications to these fleets where many vehicles are used as traveling shops dealing in a wide variety of domestic goods. The development is seen as the forerunner of wider use of general-purpose vehicles, requiring improved performance and range.

The operating costs and high reliability of the vehicles have been proved. Some typical costs are given, together with those for backup mechanical handling industrial trucks.

Improvements in energy sources and other components are now becoming apparent. These, together with growing worldwide interest, predict a vast growth in the industry, particularly in commercial applications for battery electric trucks and vehicles.