Choosing between an open or closed body is one of the most important configuration decisions when specifying an electric utility vehicle (EUV). The body type directly affects how your vehicle will be used, as well as what it can carry and how much.
There is no universal answer to this question, however there are better choices depending on factors such as load type, working environment, access constraints and even how often the vehicle’s role changes day-to-day. This article explores where open and closed bodies perform best and outlines common configurations available across our product range.
Understanding the difference between open and closed EUV bodies
An open body exposes the load area of your EUV, and typically comes in the form of a flatbed, dropside or cage configuration. A closed body meanwhile encloses the load within a box structure, often using doors or shutters.
The distinction is not simply weather protection. It also affects loading speed, load security, flexibility and how the vehicle is used throughout the day.
When an open body is the better choice
Open-bodied EUVs suit tasks where access and speed matter more than protection or security.
Frequent loading and unloading
Flatbeds and dropsides allow loads to be accessed from multiple sides, which is valuable in busy yards or confined spaces.
This makes open bodies well suited to:
- Farm and estate work
- Grounds maintenance
- Construction and facilities support
- General site logistics
Where loads change frequently, an open body avoids unnecessary handling steps.
Irregular or oversized loads
Open bodies cope better with awkward items such as fencing materials, pipework, tools or machinery parts. Loads can overhang the bed where permitted, something not possible with enclosed bodies.
For EUVs used as general-purpose workhorses, this flexibility often outweighs the lack of enclosure.
Simpler configurations
Open bodies are usually lighter than closed alternatives. Lower body weight can improve payload capacity and efficiency, particularly on smaller electric platforms where every kilogram matters.
This is often advantageous for compact EUVs used primarily on private land or within defined sites.
Common open body configurations on our EUVs
Across our range of electric utility vehicles, we offer plenty of models fitted with open body configurations, as well as vehicle customisation options such as:
- Flatbeds for maximum flexibility and simple load handling
- Dropside bodies for improved loan retention with easy access
- Caged chassis for carrying loose or bulky items without full enclosure
Caged bodies are a useful middle ground, offering containment without the weight or access limitations of a fully enclosed box.
When a closed body makes more sense
Closed-bodied EUVs are better suited to load carrying applications where protection and environmental control is required.
Weather-sensitive or high-value loads
Enclosed bodies protect goods from rain, dust, extreme temperatures, debris and more. This is important for:
- Tools and equipment
- Electrical or technical components
- Produce or packaged goods
Where load condition matters, enclosures reduce risk and waste. They also tend to streamline journeys, reducing the amount of stop-start situations where you have to pickup any lost or dropped cargo.
Security and controlled access
A closed body allows the vehicle to be locked, which is particularly relevant on shared sites or public-facing environments. Roller doors or lockable rear doors help prevent unauthorised access while still allowing efficient loading.
This is often a deciding factor for facilities management, estate and logistic-style applications.
Specialist operating environments
Some EUVs operate primarily indoors or across clean environments where containment is essential. Closed bodies help maintain hygiene standards and prevent cross-contamination between areas.
Closed body options available on our EUVs
Our range supports a wide variety of enclosed body configurations, allowing vehicles to be tailored to specific operational needs:
- Standard box bodies for secure, weatherproof transport
- Roller door chassis for rapid access in tight spaces
- Temperature-controlled bodies for chilled or temperature-sensitive loads
- Fully enclosed workshop or service bodies for mobile maintenance roles
These configurations are typically mounted on chassis designed to support additional body weight without compromising stability or range.
Matching body type to EUV size and role
Smaller EUVs often benefit from open bodies, where flexibility and payload efficiency are prioritised. Larger electric utility vehicles can accommodate closed bodies more comfortably, making them suitable for multi-role or specialist use.
The key is aligning body type with how the vehicle is actually used, not how it might be used occasionally. A vehicle that spends most of its time carrying mixed loads across a site will usually perform better with an open configuration. One that transports defined goods between fixed points may justify enclosure.
Designing for change over time
Many operators underestimate how vehicle roles evolve. Seasonal work, staffing changes or new compliance can alter how an EUV is used.
Where future flexibility is important, modular or semi-open solutions such as dropsides or cages can provide a useful compromise. In other cases, investing in a purpose-built closed body reduces inefficiency and risk over the vehicle’s working life.
Conclusion
The decision between open and closed bodies should be driven by function rather than preference. load type, access frequency, environment and operational rhythm all matter more than visual aesthetics or perceived versatility.
At ePower Trucks, we configure electric utility vehicles around how they are genuinely used. Open bodies suit flexible, fast-moving workloads, while closed bodies support protected, secure or specialist operations. Our range allows you to specify the right solution from the outset, from flatbeds and cages to roller doors and temperature-controlled bodies, ensuring your EUV fits your operation properly and works efficiently from day one.