The electric van market is rapidly evolving, presenting businesses with increasingly compelling options for sustainable transportation. For 2024, several models stand out, offering a blend of practicality, range, and efficiency that makes them serious contenders in the commercial vehicle sector. Let’s delve into some of the leading electric vans making waves this year.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo: Desirability Meets Practicality
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo carves a unique niche in the electric van landscape. While it may not lead in outright size or efficiency metrics, its undeniable desirability is a significant asset. This appeal translates to strong resale values, which in turn can make lease costs surprisingly competitive, potentially even undercutting less attractive rivals. The ID. Buzz Cargo proves that choosing an electric van doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or brand appeal.
Underneath its retro-inspired exterior lies the same versatile platform found in various Volkswagen Group models, from passenger cars to SUVs. This shared foundation lends the ID. Buzz Cargo a car-like driving experience and a level of build quality that distinguishes it from more utilitarian competitors. Beyond its driving dynamics, the ID. Buzz Cargo is genuinely practical. Twin sliding side doors and the option of a lifting tailgate or barn doors provide excellent access to the cargo area. With a capacity of 3.9 cubic meters, it comfortably accommodates two Euro pallets. It also boasts a payload capacity of up to 607 kg, secured by numerous lashing rings in the floor and walls. Furthermore, the ID. Buzz Cargo retains a useful towing capacity of up to one tonne, adding to its versatility.
Ford E-Transit: A Practical and Powerful Proposition
The Ford E-Transit made a significant impact upon its arrival in 2023, quickly establishing itself as a leader due to its impressive combination of value, range, practicality, and enjoyable driving dynamics. Backed by Ford’s comprehensive ‘Ford Pro’ support package, the E-Transit is arguably a pivotal vehicle for Ford, signaling their serious commitment to the electric commercial vehicle market.
Crucially, the E-Transit doesn’t compromise on the workhorse capabilities expected of a Transit. It is available in a wide array of configurations, including three different lengths and two height options. This variety extends to bare chassis models for specialized conversions, double-cab versions for crew transport, and various other body styles, ensuring it can meet diverse business needs. At launch, the E-Transit boasted a class-leading range of up to 196 miles, depending on the specific variant. While recent advancements from competitors have slightly shifted the range rankings, the E-Transit remains a strong contender, offering a robust balance of capability and electric efficiency.
Vauxhall Vivaro Electric: Updated Range and Technology
Reflecting the collaborative nature of the automotive industry, the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric shares close ties with several Stellantis stablemates, including the Peugeot Expert, Citroen Dispatch, and Fiat Scudo. These vans, along with the Toyota Proace, are produced by the same group, resulting in significant similarities in their underlying engineering and design. For 2024, these models have all received updates, focusing on enhanced powertrains and upgraded cabin technology. While subtle styling and specification variations exist between them, their core functionality remains largely consistent. Therefore, focusing on the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric provides a representative overview of this group.
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The Vivaro Electric serves as a direct competitor to the Ford Transit Custom. For the 2024 model year, it features a 75kWh battery pack situated beneath the load floor, powering a 134bhp electric motor. This updated battery delivers a claimed range of up to 217 miles, a notable 12-mile improvement over the previous iteration. In terms of charging, the Vivaro Electric supports DC fast charging up to 100kW, enabling a 5-80% charge in approximately 45 minutes, according to Vauxhall. A standard 7.4kW onboard AC charger is included, with an 11kW upgrade option available for faster AC charging. The Vivaro Electric is offered in two body lengths – 4.98m and 5.33m – providing a maximum load capacity of up to 6.6 cubic meters. It can also accommodate items up to 4m in length when equipped with the load-through bulkhead option. While load capacity and towing capacity are reduced compared to combustion engine versions, they still reach around one tonne each, maintaining practical utility for many commercial applications.
