An Introduction to What Works for EVs in the Tiling Industry

Tiles are heavy – a single pallet of porcelain or ceramic tiles (for example, 600×600mm) can weigh 900–1,100kg. This has two big consequences:

1. Payload, not space, is the main constraint – Many electric vans reach their legal weight limit before they’re physically full.
2. Range drops sharply under load – The heavier the vehicle, the lower the real-world range, often 20–40% below the official Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) figure, which is the testing process for measuring vehicle fuel consumption and emissions. Weight, speed, hills and cold weather all reduce range. Ford UK’s E-Transit range calculator can be a useful tool. Always plan routes with a safety buffer.

The Tile Association’s Sustainability Working Group is here to help you navigate the challenges of sustainability. In this article, TTA’s Sustainability Working Group introduces how electric vehicles (EVs) can be used in the UK tiling community today – explaining what to buy, how to charge, and where to learn more.

If you have any questions about the information below, or if you are interested in joining TTA’s Sustainability Working Group, please do not hesitate to contact email membership@tile.org.uk or call 0300 365 8453.

Select EVs Based On User Needs

Local drops and light loads:

• Choose small or medium electric vans like the Citroën ë-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner, or Vauxhall Combo Electric.
• Expect payloads around 700–800 kg – ideal for tools, adhesives, and lighter tile runs.
• Charge overnight on AC 7–22 kW. No need for expensive DC chargers, which offer rapid charging, if vans sit idle for several hours. 

Heavier pallets or regional routes:

• For longer routes, step up to large electric vans with bigger load bays and higher ranges. For example:
  • Ford E-Transit – offers up to 196 miles, depending on the model
  • Mercedes-Benz eSprinter – offers up to 272 miles
  • MAXUS eDeliver9 – varies by battery with payloads between 850–1,040kg
• If payload is the constraint, consider IVECO eDaily (up to 7.2 t GVW and 3.5 t towing). It’s the “heavy-duty van” option when a 3.5-tonner runs out of capacity.

Pickups for site access:

• MAXUS T90 EV is (for now) the only mass-market electric pickup on sale in the UK, offering around 1,000kg payload and 1,500 kg braked towing. It’s rear-wheel drive (RWD) only, so off-road ability is limited compared to diesel 4×4 rivals.

Intercity palletised runs (rigids):

• Electric rigid trucks now suit urban/regional routes – e.g., Volvo FM Electric – offering up to 300km range and up to 44t gross combination weight (GCW) – and DAF XC Electric – offering battery packs up to 525 kWh and fast DC charging up to 325 kW

Licences and rules that help:

• A standard Category B car licence can now drive a zero-emission van up to 4.25 t MAM (the old 5-hour training requirement has been removed), giving back some payload lost to batteries.
• Government is also consulting on simplifying testing/tachograph rules for 3.5–4.25 t Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) vans, aiming to assist the UK’s ZEV mandate. This policy requires car manufacturers to sell a rising share of zero-emission vans (towards 100% by 2035). For 2025, the van target is 16%.
• Guidance on driving an electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle is available on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/driving-an-electric-or-hydrogen-powered-vehicle

The following table demonstrates simple model examples to help you picture the options:

A Tile Transport Checklist

1. Payload first – A single pallet of porcelain/ceramic tiles (e.g., 600×600) can approach an estimated 900–1,100 kg. Many merchants hit payload before volume. If one pallet tips the scales near a tonne, plan van choice accordingly (consider 4.25t zero-emission vehicles or heavier eDaily-type solutions).
2. Range planning – Heavy loads can cut range by 20–40% versus WLTP. Build that into your route planning.
3. Daily miles and stops – Be honest about round-trip distance and dwell time between drops; this determines battery size and whether AC overnight charging is enough.
4. Towing and bodywork – Need to tow a small trailer or fit a tail-lift? Check official towing limits and electrical power take-off (PTO) options on vans/trucks early.
5. CAZ/ULEZ exposure – EVs avoid daily charges in a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) or Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Check your routes and depots: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-a-clean-air-zone

Charging For Tile Fleets

• AC 11–22kW wallboxes are the sweet spot for most vans: simple, reliable and far cheaper than DC. Overnight or during dwell time, this is enough for most routes.
• DC is helpful when vans turn around quickly or for trucks (e.g., 50–150 kW at depots; heavy trucks can accept higher rates).
• On the road: use Zapmap to find working rapid chargers and plan long runs: https://www.zap-map.com

You may be entitled for funding for sockets and wiring:

• Workplace Charging Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants
• EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff & Fleets: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ev-infrastructure-grant-for-staff-and-fleets

Specifications, grant schemes and regulations change frequently. While we aim for accuracy, we cannot guarantee completeness or correctness. Always confirm details with the vehicle manufacturer, your dealer, and official government sources before committing to any purchase or infrastructure investment. For the most authoritative, up-to-date source for grants and eligible vehicles, visit: https://www.gov.uk/plug-in-van-truck-grants
Visit www.tiles.org.uk/sustainability/ for more sustainability information and advice.