A Fiat E-Scudo van, fitted with Bridgestone Duravis tyres and sponsored by Webfleet, has smashed the Guinness World Records title for the greatest distance travelled by an electric van on a single charge.
The record-breaking feat, which saw the van travel 311.18 miles, was achieved by Webfleet-sponsored drivers Kevin Booker, Sam Clarke and Fergal McGrath.
Independently verified video footage, odometer, GPS and battery level data from Bridgestone subsidiary Webfleet revealed 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 needed no modifications and the route combined urban and rural roads to replicate real world conditions.
Beverley Wise, Webfleet regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, said: “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.”
McGrath and Booker both hold 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.
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McGrath said: “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.
“We are seeing the recent expansion of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), for example, from 23rd 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 Guiness 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.”
Taco van der Leij, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions vice president of fleet management solutions Europe, added: “Connected EV data plays a vital role in electrifying mobility, enabling 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.”
Damien Dally, Fiat UK MD, said he was delighted the Fiat E-Scudo had registered its first ever Guiness World Records title.
“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,” he added.
Edmund King OBE, president of the AA which provided official adjudication and EV support services, said: “We know range anxiety is a concern for some drivers, so demonstrating how far electric vehicles can run on one charge is hugely positive.”
