Ten of the best electric vans available today
23/06/2022
10 minutes read
With further changes planned for how vehicles are taxed and charged to use roads around the UK, alongside an increased focus on business responsibility regarding environmental matters, electric commercial vehicles are more popular today than ever.
If you’re considering making the shift to electric, or if the time has come to replace an existing fleet of electric vehicles, read on for some top electric van reviews.
Why should I use an electric van?
For several years now, UK authorities have been looking at ways to incentivise electric vehicles and encouraging the phasing out of the older and more polluting commercial vehicles on Britain’s roads. Incentives such as the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) provides financial support for businesses towards the upfront costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargepoints.
Another incentive is through Vehicle Excise Duty. While most petrol and diesel vehicles classified as light commercial vehicles (LCVs) are charged according to their age (and Euro 4 and Euro 5 compliancy), fully electric vans pay nothing. What’s more, the Van Fuel Benefit Charge, a form of Benefit-in-Kind tax, doesn’t apply at all to electric models.
Then there are Ultra-Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) to think about. These charges are targeting the most polluting vehicles traveling through urban areas across the country, while electric vans emit no NOx or CO2 and are exempt from the daily charges. Despite lingering preconceptions, the latest raft of e-vans are more than up to the task for all kinds of businesses that use a van or fleet of vans locally. With a selection of innovative features and with ranges improving all the time, electric commercial vehicles could not only keep your business going but help it to thrive.
What range does an electric van have?
The electric van with the longest range is changing almost constantly, as the latest technology makes every new generation of electric van more capable than the last. At a very minimum and in unfavorable weather conditions, you can expect to get around 50 miles in a single charge from the latest e-vans, but some models climb to an impressive 250 miles – with most falling somewhere in the middle.
What are some of the best electric vans?
If you’re wondering what the best electric vans available today look like, here are ten of the most impressive options suited to a range of businesses and .
Mercedes-Benz eVito
Cargo volume: 6m3
Electric range: up to 162 miles
With the ability to charge in just six hours through AC fast charging, the eVito is the perfect medium e-van for everyday use. Pre-conditioning climate control not only ensures you’re always comfortable when on the move, but helps you get the most from its 66kWh battery. With the battery’s performance guaranteed up to 160,000km or for eight years, this is a commercial van you can count on.
Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
Cargo volume: 11m3
Electric range: up to 82-95 miles
The eSprinter is among the most intelligent e-vans around. With a selection of drive settings that alter resistance and help replenish the battery when on the move, this large van accomplishes its daily duties with ease.
Volkswagen Abt e-Transporter
Cargo volume: 6.7m3
Electric range: up to 82 miles
A collaboration between German stalwarts Volkswagen and EV specialists Abt, this model makes use of some of the best electric tech around. That includes the option of high-speed CCS charging, which could take this van’s battery from empty to 80% in as little as 45 minutes, but its 11-hour charge time from a wallbox is still achievable overnight. Available in just one body type, there is a passenger five-seat Kombi spec on offer also.
Peugeot e-Expert
Cargo volume: 4 m3
Electric range: up to 205 miles
The Peugeot e-Expert is a perfect van for everyday use with the ability to charge from 0-80% in 30 minutes. Available in 3 different lengths to suit your needs from a 6-seater crew van to the expert long with the space for transporting bulky cargo for day-to-day work needs. The Peugeot e-Expert follows the brand’s ‘The Power of Choice’ mission, promising the efficiency of an electric drive, with the same load space volumes of the diesel versions
Ford E-Transit
Cargo volume: 9.5- 15.1 m3
Electric range: 166- 196 miles
As Ford’s first all-electric van, the E-Transit is the classic style you know but without ever having to worry about the Low Emissions Zones. With the DC fast charge taking the battery from 15% to 80% charged in 34 minutes, this van is perfect for moving cargo around a town or city all day, while the recharge time of 8 hours is easily achieved overnight.
Citroen e-Relay
Cargo volume: Up to 15m3
Electric range: up to 139 miles
Offering an uncompromised cargo volume when compared with its diesel variants, the Citroen e-Relay is a bold step into this area of the market from the renowned French manufacturer. With two battery options at 37Wh and 70kWh, the model’s range of up to 139 miles is well suited to uninterrupted daily sprints across a town or city.
Renault Master ZE
Cargo volume: 13m3
Electric range: 80 miles
For businesses looking to shift plenty of cargo in the fewest number of journeys, the vast dimensions of the Master ZE should certainly appeal. While the range you’ll get can vary with the weather and weight the van is carrying, this model should easily see you through a full day of moving furniture or business stock across town. Choose from the two-dimension options this panel van offers based on your requirements and look forward to charging times somewhere in the region of six hours at home with a wallbox.
Renault Kangoo ZE
Cargo volume: 1.4-3.4 m3
Electric range: up to 143 miles
Small but masterfully engineered, the Renault Kangoo ZE ticks all the boxes as a small commercial van that’s affordable to run. With a range of customisable layouts, an ergonomic dashboard and a well-integrated multimedia system, this van is as pleasing to get around in as it is practical.
Fiat E-Ducato
Cargo volume: 10 –17m3
Electric range: up to 230 miles
With each of its tailored options boasting an impressive range, the reliable E-Ducato comes in 28 different body styles. Among these is a chassis cab option as well as a nine-seater passenger version, meaning there’s an E-Ducato model to suit almost any business. A brand-new addition to the market, its range of three and five-module batteries help get the job done.
Vauxhall Vivaro-e
Cargo volume: 5.3 – 6.6m3
Electric range: up to 205 miles
Available in both panel van and doublecab variants, the new Vivaro-e ticks plenty of boxes. The model can fast charge up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, which combined with its impressive range, makes it an excellent option if you rely on your van to do business. Not only that, but the vehicle’s remarkably quiet running makes it perfect for busy urban areas and residential streets, while the Vivaro-e’s Regenerative Braking System captures kinetic energy to help top up your battery.
At Northgate Vehicle Hire, we’ve been providing affordable and reliable hire vans to UK businesses for years. No matter what your requirements are, you’ll find the perfect fit somewhere among our extensive stock, including plenty of electric and ULEZ-compliant vehicles. If you’re looking for business van hire, get in touch today and view our selection of makes and models using the vehicle finder.
Information correct as of 21st June 2022
