An Electric Driving Experience – Diary of a Service Engineer

Q. Tomás, you have been driving the first company Citroen e Berlingo for 2 months now. Can you firstly tell us a little bit about your role with Guardian Fire & Safety and what a typical day might look like for you?

My role with Guardian Fire and Safety as a Service Engineer involves the maintenance and testing of Fire Alarm, Disabled Refuge and other life safety systems mostly in the Southeast area.

A typical day involves calling to clients to carry out our prearranged service visits/inspections. This includes the replacement of any damaged or faulty devices to ensure the system is operational.

In renovated buildings and those with ageing systems I would advise and discuss upgrades with clients to ensure the system is always fit for purpose. I also provide training to staff on fire panel functions and call point testing etc, to help them carry out their weekly tests.

My average daily commute is approx. 100 Km. Guardian Fire & Safety also provides a 24 Hr Telephone support and callout service which means I am also on call approximately one week out of every seven.

Fire safety is a huge responsibility, and I am delighted to be living and working in these exciting times where technology changes every day to hopefully better all our lives.

Q. Can you tell us about the vehicle itself, the Citroen e Berlingo?

The Citroen e Berlingo van has a battery capacity of 50 KWh ( It is equivalent to 136 hp ) with an advertised range of up to 275km.

The van is propelled by a 100kw motor. The maximum payload is 800 Kg. As regards space, the rear has a loading volume of 3.30 to 3.80 cubic metres in the medium wheel base version which I am currently driving.

There are 3 driving modes: Eco, Normal and Power. Normal as the name suggests is the standard mode selected and this is the usual setting as Power mode is only to maintain this normal level function when carrying a larger payload. Eco saves battery current but can compromise comfort like heating and performance but keeps you travelling for longer as a result.

I generally leave the van in Eco on longer travel days but I have found that window clearing is not effective in Eco so Normal mode is necessary for this. The winter should be fun!

Q. How did you find the transition from Diesel to Electric?

I was quite surprised how easy the change was and within a week found it much better as regards quietness. Driving is way less work and I find you would be less tired after a journey.

I thought I would miss the gears, but regenerative braking is actually equivalent to gearing down and less delayed as there is no delay changing down. This is very obvious with the instant torque for de -acceleration and acceleration.

With regards acceleration there is absolutely no delay even a mil on the acceleration pedal gives an instant reaction even in Eco mode let alone Power mode which I only tried once to date – AKA scary mode …. it’s like the van becomes a feather on the wind at the price of about 1/4 of the range!!

Q. What would you say has been the biggest challenge in your EV experience to date?

Strangely, my right leg got sore from pedal pressing. EV driving seems to require a difference in acceleration than an ICE driven vehicle like no sudden pedal moves. This developed a cramp like feeling in my right shin bone after the first week. I am getting used to it now but it was quite annoying at first but then it could be old age or a coincidence.

Q. What are you enjoying most about EV driving?

I was driving a Diesel Citroen Berlingo prior to this so I think the biggest improvement has been the peace and quiet. If listening to music for example, that’s all you hear.

It also seems like you get better traction with the large tyres on this van. You really feel planted to the surfaces you drive on but possibly the best thing ever is no diesel pumps or diesel on the hands from leaking pump handles. I didn’t expect that cruise control would be available, but it is a feature also. I like the large tablet display screen also which makes apple play handy as you can ask Siri to read out incoming messages, give verbal reply and get it sent back etc.

Q. How do you find the public charging infrastructure? .

I have never had to charge away from home yet but have I have taken note where chargers are on my rounds in towns and hotels etc. I do think the odd time I will need this it should not be an issue. It will require planning ahead and charging up during lunch time for instance if needs be.

Q. There’s a lot of talk about “ Range Anxiety” .. is the something you have experienced?

No. That said, I don’t get the 275km range from a full charge. I allow 50- 60 % of this as a rule.

I normally carry a part load of approx. 300 to 400 Kg and do an average speed of 90km. If I do 40 km then up to 80 gets used off the range give or take 10 km depending on wind resistance, driving mode, heater, lights heavier or lighter load and hills.

If travelling empty and doing 70 to 80 Km with no wind, down a hill and using gradual start off then maybe it’s possible to get nearer to advertised mileage.

I am usually well covered, but one callout did leave me with 60 km on the range (realistically more like 30 km left). I would be confident range will improve with time and technology.

As a good rule, drive like normal within normal speed limits bar motorway speeds then 50 to 60 % is your range from new. What this will decrease over time is the question. Either way I won’t be worried as we all have phones.

Q. What advice would you give to other companies or drivers that might be considering making the move to Electric?

Do your homework! Know your average daily commute and look for a vehicle with a range to support that but do not expect to get the advertised range. We worked closely with EcoMerit before we made the decision to go electric so we fully understood how it would fit with the needs of the business.

I would also say if you were concerned about resale value, leasing is a good option.

Q. Any final thoughts?

On a good note, it’s amazing what they can do and over time I’m sure it will be the norm to have improved battery ranges. It is a learning curve but one which I am enjoying.

Happy EV driving all!