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Best Electric Vans With The Longest Range

For those who are thinking about buying or leasing a new electric van, the distance the vehicle can cover between charges is probably one of the biggest considerations.

When electric van manufacturers are designing a new model, they have to balance two factors – range and payload. Batteries weigh a lot, and a bigger battery means a longer range.

But, this brings down the amount of weight the van can carry.

We compare the range for each size bracket in today’s UK electric van market – two each from the small, medium and large sizes.

The electric ranges quoted are from the official WLTP combined test cycle.

PS. Read our electric pickup trucks review if you want to discover the latest pickup models available in the UK.

The Best Small Electric Vans

Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo – 254 miles

Are you thinking of a Volkswagen electric van? There’s a lot to say about the ID Buzz Cargo.

Firstly – is it really a small van?

Many think that it fits more into the medium van category, but looks can be deceiving.

When it comes to load-carrying capabilities, it’s much closer to the likes of a Ford Transit Connect or a Volkswagen Caddy Maxi with its 3.9 cubic metres of loadspace and a modest payload of 592kgs.

The ID Buzz Cargo is a classic example of payloads versus electric range.

Volkswagen, perhaps rightly so, has, by fitting a large 77kWh battery, aimed the van at those who don’t want to put a tonne of building materials in the back, and more at the image-conscious small business that wants a van to look good and not to need charging during the working day.

The ID Buzz Cargo. Combining futuristic looks with a retro vibe and with a 204PS motor, it’s also great fun to drive.

Renault Kangoo E-Tech / Mercedes-Benz eCitan / Nissan Townstar Electric – 186 miles

We’ve bundled these electric models together as fundamentally they’re very similar, all sharing a platform and built in the same factory in France.

There are differences in trim and equipment levels, and we’ve taken the 186-mile range figure from the best-performing one in the Renault Kangoo electric van lineup, the others differing slightly.

Available in two body lengths with a load volume of 4.2 cubic metres, these vans pack a payload of up to 975kgs (manufacturer availability does differ), although, as with any electric van, don’t expect to get close to that 186-mile range if you’re loaded to the hilt.

The 120hp motor, whilst not being the most powerful out there, will zip you around town and with maximum torque available from the get-go, even a fully laden van will still perform admirably.

The Best Medium Electric Vans

Fiat E-Scudo, Citroen e-Dispatch, Vivaro Electric, Peugeot e-Expert, Toyota Proace Electric – 230 Miles

Peugeot e-Expert electric van

The Stellantis group, encompassing all these brands, builds its medium-sized vans on the same platform and, with recent improvements, has upped the official range. Vauxhall, for example, now quotes a figure of 230 miles.

The van itself is well-proven and popular with small businesses and fleets alike, and with two body lengths providing a load volume of up to 6.1 cubic metres, it’s a capable working vehicle. Stellantis has also managed to retain an excellent payload, with most models offering around 1000kgs of capacity.

The 136PS electric motor will leave few wanting when it comes to road performance. Vauxhall has now standardised the previously optional, larger 75kWh battery pack, recognising the customer demand for optimum range while maintaining a good payload.

Electric van charging always has to be considered, and this van can be topped up in just over 11 hours from a standard 7.4kw home or workplace wall box charger.

Ford E-Transit Custom – 209 miles

Ford e-Transit Custom electric van

A little late to the UK electric van party, but you can now buy or lease a fully electric version of the UK’s best-selling van, the Ford Transit Custom.

It’s offered with a choice of three power outputs from its rear-mounted electric motor, the 135PS and 217PS versions available throughout the range, with the 285PS offering reserved for the sporty MS-RT Custom.

All models use the same 64kWh battery pack, once again providing a decent balance of payload and range. Speaking of payloads, there is up to 1011kgs available, depending on the model, and the 2300kg towing capacity is class leading.

The cab has been designed for comfort and practicality – things like a tilting steering wheel that can transform into a small desk, a flat cab floor and a massive 13″ touchscreen providing all the information a driver needs.

There is lots of driver aid and safety tech on board, too.

The Best Large Electric Vans

Renault Master E-Tech – 285 miles

A huge achievement here by Renault with the all-new Master E-Tech!

It has a range of 285 miles, knocking all the mainstream competition aside and leaping to the top of the range chart.

The French manufacturer has achieved this by including a big, 87kWh battery pack, but not relying on this alone, careful attention has also been given to the aerodynamics of the van, reducing that range consuming wind resistance to a minimum and battery charge regeneration has been designed to recoup as much energy as possible.

Renault has also managed to keep the payload to a very respectable 1000kgs on vans rated at the usual 3500kg GVM, and if the operator moved up to 4000kg GVM, there’s up to 1625kg available.

Two body lengths and two heights give load volumes from 10.8 to 14.8 cubic metres. There’s just a single 143hp electric motor option, more than adequate for most.

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter- 273 miles

The very latest eSprinter is in a different class from its predecessor when it comes down to range. The old Mercedes electric van had a maximum range of less than 90 miles, whereas the latest version can cover an amazing 273 miles between charges.

This is very dependent on the model and drivetrain selected, but even the ‘worst’ performing van has a very creditable 162 mile range, although the mandatory 56mph speed limiter probably contributes to this result.

Mercedes-Benz gives the customer the choice of optimum range or payload. This is mainly dictated by the choice of an 81kWh or huge 113kWh battery pack, the smaller one giving the best payload, the larger the optimum range.

You can opt for a 136PS or 204PS electric motor, with a charge time of as little as 8 or 11 hours (depending on battery size) from an AC wall box charger.

The old eSprinter was only available in one body size, but it’s now offered in the popular L2 or L3 lengths. It’s worth mentioning the excellent cab environment in the latest generation of eSprinter; it’s spacious and comfortable, and the van is brimming with the latest driver aids and safety technology.

Van Range Summary

Make & ModelRange (miles)Payload (kg)Power (PS/hp)
VW ID Buzz Cargo254592204 PS
Renault Kangoo E-Tech*186975120 hp
Vauxhall Vivaro**2301000136 PS
Ford E-Transit Custom2091011135/217/285 PS
Renault Master E-Tech2851000-1625***143 hp
Mercedes-Benz eSprinter273varies****136/204 PS

Notes:
* Also includes Mercedes-Benz eCitan and Nissan Townstar Electric variants
** Also includes Citroen e-Dispatch, Fiat E-Scudo, Peugeot e-Expert, Toyota Proace Electric variants
*** Depends on GVM rating (3500kg or 4000kg)
**** Payload varies based on battery pack choice (81kWh or 113kWh)

Electric Van Leasing

If you are thinking of going electric with one of the vans offered above (or another model), please speak with the team at Evangate FS.

Not only can we help get low vehicle finance rates and flexible terms for leasing, we can even source an electric van for your business, so you don’t have to waste time visiting tens of showrooms yourself.

Before you go, check out our guide on the benefits of light commercial vehicle leasing – you will be surprised at how easy it is to arrange and how low the costs can be.

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