For businesses transporting perishable goods, maintaining the correct temperature during transit is critical. Whether you’re in food and drink, pharmaceuticals, floristry, or event catering, your reputation and compliance depend on reliability.
With rising fuel costs and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, many businesses are now considering electric refrigerated vans as a forward-thinking alternative.
At FridgeXpress, we specialise exclusively in refrigerated vehicle hire, offering both short-term and long-term solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. This guide is designed to help business owners understand what’s involved in hiring an electric refrigerated van, and how to ensure you choose the right vehicle for your operation.
Why Go Electric?
Before diving into the specifics of hiring, it’s important to consider why switching to an electric refrigerated van is beneficial for your business.
1. Environmental Benefits
Electric vans produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping your company meet sustainability targets and reduce its environmental footprint. This can be especially important if you’re operating in Low Emission Zones (LEZs) or Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs), where traditional diesel vans may incur charges.
2. Cost Efficiency
Although electric vans may have a higher upfront cost, hiring one through a specialist provider allows you to reap the benefits without heavy capital investment. Plus, you’ll save on fuel costs, with electricity generally much cheaper than diesel or petrol. Many models also benefit from government incentives and tax breaks.
3. Quieter Operation
Electric refrigerated vans are quieter in operation—ideal for early-morning or late-night deliveries in residential areas, helping you reduce noise complaints and comply with local regulations.
What to Consider Before Hiring an Electric Refrigerated Van
When hiring an electric refrigerated van, you need to evaluate several operational factors to ensure you’re getting the most appropriate vehicle for your needs.
1. Payload Requirements
Electric vans are typically heavier than their diesel counterparts due to battery packs. This can reduce their available payload. Make sure the van you hire can carry the weight of your goods alongside the refrigeration unit without breaching legal limits.
At FridgeXpress, we offer a range of electric refrigerated vans in various sizes to suit different payload needs—from small compact vans ideal for florists to larger long wheelbase vans for caterers and food wholesalers.
2. Refrigeration Type
There are two main types of refrigeration systems:
- Chill Vans: Maintain temperatures between 0°C and +8°C, suitable for dairy, fruit, veg, and drinks.
- Freeze Vans: Capable of maintaining temperatures as low as -18°C, perfect for frozen goods such as meat, seafood, and ice cream.
Some vehicles are dual compartment, offering both chilled and frozen sections. Discuss your product requirements with your hire provider to ensure the van’s system matches your temperature control needs.
3. Range and Charging Infrastructure
Electric refrigerated vans typically have a range of between 100 to 200 miles depending on the model, load, and whether the refrigeration unit draws power from the vehicle’s battery. It’s essential to understand the real-world range based on your delivery routes.
You’ll also need to consider your charging infrastructure. Do you have access to a 7kW home charger, a 22kW workplace charger, or public DC fast chargers? Charging times vary significantly depending on the van and charger type, so factor in the downtime between deliveries.
4. Power Supply for Refrigeration
There are two options for powering the refrigeration unit in an electric van:
- Direct Drive: The refrigeration system is powered by the vehicle’s battery. This is simpler but may reduce driving range.
- Independent Electric Supply: The refrigeration system has a separate battery or uses a standby plug-in power source when the van is stationary.
FridgeXpress offers expert guidance on which option best suits your logistics model, particularly if you require refrigeration when the vehicle is parked for extended periods.
Hiring Options at FridgeXpress
FridgeXpress provides flexible electric refrigerated van hire across the UK, tailored to businesses of all sizes. As a specialist provider, we understand that one size does not fit all.
1. Short-Term Hire
Ideal for seasonal peaks, one-off events, or emergency cover. Whether your existing van is off the road or you’re responding to a temporary uptick in demand, our short-term hire solutions offer immediate access to high-quality electric refrigerated vans with full support.
Key Benefits:
- Flexible daily or weekly hire
- Immediate availability
- Full maintenance and breakdown cover included
2. Long-Term Hire / Contract Hire
Perfect for businesses looking to modernise their fleet with minimal upfront costs. With contract hire, you can benefit from a fully maintained electric refrigerated van with fixed monthly payments and no hidden costs.
Key Benefits:
- Vehicles customised to your branding and spec
- Fixed costs for budgeting ease
- Comprehensive maintenance and 24/7 support
- Replacement vehicle service if required
What’s Included in Your Hire
When you hire from FridgeXpress, you’re not just hiring a vehicle—you’re entering a partnership. Here’s what comes as standard:
- Full Service and Maintenance Package: All servicing and repairs are included, helping reduce vehicle downtime.
- 24/7 Breakdown Assistance: Nationwide support to keep your business moving.
- Temperature Monitoring Systems: Many of our vans include advanced temperature logging for compliance with industry regulations.
- Onboard Telemetry: Optional GPS tracking and route optimisation tools are available to enhance delivery efficiency.
Regulatory Considerations
1. Food Safety and HACCP
If you transport food, you must comply with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) requirements. Our vans can be equipped with temperature loggers and alarms to support compliance.
2. ULEZ and LEZ Compliance
All electric vans are exempt from London’s ULEZ and other low-emission zone charges across the UK. This can significantly reduce operating costs in urban areas.
3. Licensing
Most electric refrigerated vans can be driven on a standard UK Category B driving licence. However, if you opt for a larger vehicle (especially with heavy batteries and payloads), make sure you or your drivers have the correct entitlements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating range: Always assess the actual driving range when the van is fully loaded and with refrigeration running.
- Choosing the wrong temperature spec: Freezer and chiller vans serve different purposes. Choosing the wrong type can lead to product spoilage or non-compliance.
- Neglecting to plan charging: Unlike diesel, charging an electric van requires planning. Ensure you have sufficient access to charging points, especially for long routes.
- Not checking for standby power: If you need to maintain temperature while parked at an event or delivery stop, ensure the van has a standby power option.
Future-Proofing Your Business
The UK government has announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vans from 2035, with incentives for earlier transitions. Now is the time for businesses to start integrating electric vehicles into their fleet.
Hiring rather than buying allows you to trial electric refrigerated vans without long-term commitment. It gives you the flexibility to adapt to new technology, regulations, and business demands.
Why Choose FridgeXpress?
FridgeXpress is one of the UK’s leading specialists in refrigerated van hire, and uniquely, we only deal with refrigerated vehicles. This means every van in our fleet—from compact city vehicles to high-capacity freezer vans—is designed, built, and maintained to meet strict temperature-control standards.
Our specialist team understands the complexities of refrigerated logistics and offers tailored advice for your sector, whether you’re delivering fresh food to schools, transporting pharmaceuticals, or catering weddings and festivals.
By choosing FridgeXpress, you’re getting more than just a vehicle. You’re getting peace of mind, expert support, and a partner who knows what it takes to keep your cold chain running smoothly.
Ready to Hire?
If you’re considering hiring an electric refrigerated van for your business, speak to one of our experts today. We’ll guide you through the process, help you choose the right model, and ensure your hire package is tailored precisely to your needs.
FridgeXpress – Keeping Your Deliveries Cool, Clean, and Future-Ready.
Frequently Asked Questions and Refrigerated Vans
- Does the refrigeration unit affect the driving range?
Yes, the refrigeration unit can reduce the overall range if it draws power directly from the vehicle’s battery. However, some vans are fitted with independent refrigeration systems or come with standby electric plug-in options, allowing them to operate separately when parked or overnight. Discussing your refrigeration requirements with a specialist hire provider like FridgeXpress ensures you get the most efficient setup for your needs.
- Are electric refrigerated vans suitable for frozen as well as chilled goods?
Absolutely. Electric refrigerated vans are available in a variety of configurations, including:
- Chiller vans (0°C to +8°C)
- Freezer vans (down to -18°C)
- Dual-compartment vans (offering both chilled and frozen sections)
You should always specify the type of goods you intend to carry so that the hire vehicle is equipped with the correct refrigeration system to maintain the necessary temperature range.
- Can I charge an electric refrigerated van using a standard plug?
Most electric vans can be charged via a standard 7kW home or workplace charger, although this can take several hours. For faster charging, a 22kW AC charger or DC rapid charger is recommended, reducing charge times significantly. Some businesses choose to install workplace charging stations for greater convenience. Additionally, public charging infrastructure continues to grow across the UK, including in many urban and industrial areas.
- What are the advantages of hiring an electric refrigerated van rather than buying one?
Hiring offers a range of benefits, especially when transitioning to electric vehicles:
- No large upfront investment
- Flexibility to trial new technology without long-term commitment
- Access to the latest models and specifications
- Full maintenance and breakdown cover included
- Scalability for seasonal or emergency needs
FridgeXpress offers both short-term and long-term hire options, providing expert guidance, support, and tailored solutions for businesses moving towards greener refrigerated transport.
