When Erin Vaccari, owner of Vaccari’s Bakery in Griffith, set out to upgrade her delivery vehicle, she had a clear goal in mind—reduce fuel costs and leverage renewable energy from solar panels at her home and business. The result? Vaccari’s Bakery is now proudly running deliveries with the fully electric LDV eDeliver9, a decision that’s proving to be as practical as it is eco-conscious.
The Drive Behind Going Electric
For Erin, the rising cost of fuel was a significant motivator. “We’ve had petrol vehicles before, and fuel prices just kept climbing,” Erin recalls. Her family’s experience with a Tesla, purchased in 2022 after a six-month wait, further cemented the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). “We were really happy with how much money we were saving on running costs,” she says.
The idea of extending these savings to her business was a natural next step. Plus, with solar panels installed both at home—complete with a Tesla Powerwall—and at the bakery, Erin saw an opportunity to power her delivery van with clean, renewable energy.
“Charging a vehicle using solar power is a big win,” she explains. “At home, we make quite a good amount of solar energy daily, and at work, we can charge the van on sunny days, reducing our reliance on the grid. It’s all about those little steps towards greener energy.”
Choosing the LDV eDeliver9
When it came to selecting the right electric van, Erin was determined to support local businesses. “I wanted to buy locally, so I turned to Lanham LDV,” she says. The team at Lanham LDV kept her in the loop, quickly letting her know when the LDV eDeliver9 became available.
“They were proactive and had the van ready for me to test drive as soon as it arrived,” Erin recalls. “The process was smooth, and I was eager to update our delivery vehicle.”
The LDV eDeliver9 impressed Erin with its driving experience and practicality. With nearly 400 kilometers of range, the van perfectly suited the bakery’s daily delivery route, which covers around 80 to 90 kilometers. “We don’t need to charge it every day,” she notes. “It’s like a petrol car—you only fill up when you need to.”
Overcoming Early Challenges
No vehicle purchase is without its hiccups, and Erin’s experience was no exception. Early on, there was a minor issue with the van’s charging system, particularly with home charging compatibility. However, LDV was quick to respond.
“LDV provided over-the-air updates initially, but eventually, they had to send someone to physically update the system,” Erin explains. “It took about two months to fully resolve, but in the meantime, we could still charge at fast chargers.”
Despite the initial setback, Erin was impressed with LDV’s commitment to resolving the issue. “These things happen with new tech, but they’re fixable. The important part is that the support was there.”
The Benefits Stack Up
Since transitioning to the LDV eDeliver9, Vaccari’s Bakery has seen tangible savings. “We’ve easily cut our fuel costs in half,” Erin reports. The bakery now receives significantly lower monthly fuel bills, thanks to the combination of solar charging and the inherent efficiency of electric vehicles.
The environmental benefits also align with Erin’s values. “Using solar power at home and work means we’re running the van on clean energy most of the time,” she says. “It feels good to know we’re reducing our carbon footprint while also saving money.”
The van has also sparked curiosity among customers and other businesses. “People ask questions all the time—how it drives, how we charge it. It’s great to see that interest growing locally.”
A Family Affair
Interestingly, Erin’s shift to electric was also influenced by her son, an EV enthusiast. “He was overjoyed when we got the Tesla and really pushed us to make the change at work too,” Erin shares. “He loves looking at all the stats, energy savings, and how it all ties together with our solar setup.”
Looking Ahead
While the EV transition in Griffith still has room to grow, Erin is optimistic. “I’d love to see more businesses embrace EVs,” she says. “Having more fast chargers in town would attract tourists and support the local economy.”
Thanks to the support from Lanham LDV and the practicality of the LDV eDeliver9, Vaccari’s Bakery is leading by example—showing how small businesses can make impactful changes towards sustainability without sacrificing performance or practicality.
“It’s been a great decision so far,” Erin concludes. “We’re saving money, using clean energy, and doing our part for the environment. What more could you ask for?”
