London, UK: A Fiat E-Scudo van has broken the previous Guinness record for the great distance travelled on a single charge: 311.18miles (500.8km). The record-breaking feat was achieved by Webfleet-sponsored drivers Kevin Booker, Sam Clarke and Fergal McGrath in a Fiat E-Scudo fitted with Bridgestone Duravis tyres.
Webfleet verified the record breaking journey with video footage, odometer, GPS and battery level data showing that the compact van, with a 75kWh battery averaged 4.5 miles per kilowatt hour (kWh) on a circular route in Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. The journey took 13 hours and nine minutes during daylight hours. The van had no modifications and the route combined urban and rural roads to replicate ‘real world’ conditions.
“This remarkable achievement is testimony to the determination and technological ingenuity of all those involved,” said Beverley Wise, Webfleet regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “We’re thrilled to have become a Guinness World Record 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 energy consumption.”
Taco van der Leij, vice president fleet management solutions Europe, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, said: “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.”
Bridgestone Duravis tyres were a critical component in the world record attempt, providing low rolling resistance. Damien Dally, managing director, Fiat UK, said: ““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.”
McGrath and Booker 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.
McGrath said: “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.
Pictured are: (L-R) Glenn Pollard, Guiness World Records Adjudicator; Sam Clarke; Fergal McGrath and Kevin Booker
