Top Electric Vans for Businesses
Whether you’re starting a mobile grooming business or running an eco-conscious florist, an electric van can be a smart choice. Here’s a selection of the finest electric vans available right now.
1. Ford e-Transit
The Ford Transit is a household name, and its move to electric propulsion ensures its place in the future. It’s available in two heights and three lengths, offering a generous cargo capacity of between 9.5 and 15.1 cubic metres depending on the specific configuration. Under the skin, it comes with a 180 or 265bhp electric motor and 68kWh or 89kWh battery options, providing a claimed range of up to 249 miles. Driving the e-Transit is a pleasure, with a quiet and potent electric motor making it a significant improvement over older diesel models. The smaller e-Transit Custom is also worth considering.
2. Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
For those who want something with a bit more style, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo is an excellent option. It’s based on the eye-catching passenger ID. Buzz, but the cargo version has a more utilitarian feel. The loadspace isn’t quite as large as the e-Transit’s, at 3.9 cubic metres, but it’s still sufficient for two pallets. It shares the same powertrain as the Buzz MPV, including up to 282bhp and a 79kWh battery giving it a range of 276 miles.
3. Canoo LDV
Canoo, a California-based startup, is gaining traction with its versatile ‘Lifestyle Vehicle’ platform. The platform underpins a range of vehicles, including cargo vans, which have already secured orders from Walmart and the U.S. Postal Service, with Royal Mail also now placing orders. Two versions of the LDV are available: the LDV 130, which boasts a payload of 133 cubic feet and 1,432lbs, and the larger LDV 190, offering 172 cubic feet and 1,624lbs. Both come with a single 200bhp rear-driven motor and a range of around 200 miles from their 80kWh battery.
4. Rivian Commercial Van
Back in 2019, Amazon ordered 100,000 delivery vans from Rivian to help meet its net-zero carbon goals. These vans began production in 2022, and more than 20,000 are currently in operation across the US. Rivian later made the vans available to other businesses. The vans come in two sizes, the 500 and the larger 700. They have a front-driven electric motor and a range of up to 161 miles, with a payload capacity of up to 2,734lbs.
5. Renault Kangoo E-Tech
Renault first introduced an electrified Kangoo nearly thirteen years ago, and the updated Kangoo E-Tech arrived in 2021. It’s now offered in two body lengths and features a 45kWh battery paired with a 121bhp electric motor, providing a range of up to 186 miles. Renault claims a maximum load volume of up to 4.2 cubic metres, a payload of up to 764kg, and a towing capacity of up to 1,500kg. It also has a passenger bench seat with a folding backrest that can act as a work surface, as well as nearly 44 litres of storage in the cab.
6. Peugeot e-Partner
There are several excellent small electric vans to choose from right now. The Peugeot e-Partner, along with the Citroen e-Berlingo, Fiat e-Doblo, Toyota Proace City Electric, and Vauxhall Combo Electric, all share the same EMP2 platform, 50kWh battery, and offer a range of up to 213 miles. The e-Partner stands out thanks to its iCockpit design, borrowing the compact steering wheel and high-mounted instrument cluster from Peugeot’s car range.
7. Toyota Proace Electric
If you require something slightly larger, the Toyota Proace Electric is a great choice. The Stellantis platform offers the Citroen e-Dispatch, Fiat e-Scudo, Peugeot e-Expert, and Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, all of which share the same platform. The Proace Electric comes with either a 50 or 75kWh battery offering up to 148 or 213 miles of range, respectively. Toyota offers a three-year manufacturer warranty, with an additional year added with every qualifying service up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.
8. Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
For a more premium option, the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter offers a classy choice. Recently updated, it now boasts double the range of its predecessor, offering up to 272 miles from its 113kWh battery (or 161 miles with the 81kWh battery). You have the choice of two motor outputs (136 or 204bhp), two lengths (Long or Extra Long) and two body styles (van or chassis), with a maximum 14m3 load capacity and a payload up to 1,273kg.
9. Citroen Ami Cargo
The Citroen Ami Cargo retains the charming look of the regular two-seat Ami but replaces the passenger seat with an additional 260 litres of storage space. The vehicle measures 2.41m long, 1.39m wide, and 1.52m tall. It features a partition between the driver and cargo area, a fold-down shelf, and a two-way adjustable floor. Powered by a 5.5kWh battery and an 8bhp electric motor, it has a top speed of 28mph with a range of up to 46 miles.
10. LEVC VN5
The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), best known for their London Taxi, also produces the VN5 panel van. Although primarily electric, the VN5 uses a 1.3-litre engine to charge its 34.6kWh battery when the charge runs out, providing an EV-only range of up to 74 miles and a combined range of over 300 miles. It offers a 5.5m3 loadspace and a gross payload of 830kg, with a tight turning circle for city driving.
