Payload and battery weight: the trade-off in the electric commercial vehicle
As of: September 11, 2026
The payload of a commercial vehicle is the difference between the permissible gross vehicle weight and the unladen weight. In the case of electric commercial vehicles, the weight of the traction battery directly reduces the payload. The larger the battery, the higher the range and the lower the payload.
The scale
Depending on capacity and cell technology, a traction battery in the light commercial vehicle segment weighs between approximately 500 and 750 kilograms. With a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tons, this represents a significant portion of the available payload. In addition, there is the weight of the body, which amounts to several hundred kilograms for a box body and is significantly higher for a refrigerated body with insulation and a cooling system.
The three ways out
Smaller battery. Anyone who knows their daily mileage doesn't need a reserve for routes that are never driven. A battery selected according to the application profile frees up payload.
Higher permissible gross vehicle weight. The 4.25-ton class for alternatively powered vehicles creates around 750 kilograms of additional gross vehicle weight, without changing the driving license class.
Lighter body. Body weight is the item that is most frequently disregarded during procurement and is a deciding factor in usability.
What this means for procurement
The question is not how much range a vehicle has, but how much payload remains after the body is installed. This figure is not in any data sheet because it depends on the body. It can only be determined jointly by the vehicle manufacturer and the body manufacturer, and that must be done before procurement.
Relation to HEERO Motors
The new generation of the HEERO brand is designed with multiple battery sizes so that the battery can be selected according to the application profile, and for the weight classes of 3.5 and 4.25 tons. HEERO Motors will publish payload specifications after the validation is completed.
Questions and Answers
How much does the battery of an electric van weigh?
Depending on capacity and cell technology, between approximately 500 and 750 kilograms in the light commercial vehicle segment.
How much payload does the battery cost me?
The battery weight directly reduces the payload. In the light commercial vehicle segment, the weight of a traction battery ranges between approximately 500 and 750 kilograms, depending on the capacity.
How much payload remains after the body is installed?
This depends on the body and must be determined together with the body manufacturer prior to procurement.
Further information
Sources and status
Manufacturer specifications for battery weights in the N1 segment. Created 11/09/2026. Updated 11/09/2026. Verified 11/09/2026.