What is the best electric van?

More and more entrepreneurs are opting for an electric van for their business, and there are several reasons for this. For instance, electric vans are more economical, good for the environment and eligible for various government subsidies. Still, switching to an electric fleet can be tricky. For example, what is the best electric van? At RouteLogic, we know better than anyone else the benefits of an all-electric fleet, especially when combined with our route planning software. That is why we have listed all the important information for you.

The growth of electric vans

The popularity of electric vans is growing rapidly. First of all, the purchase of electric cars is encouraged by the government. For instance, when buying the best electric van for your business, you can avail of various subsidies and pay no motor vehicle tax until 2024. In addition, many entrepreneurs choose an electric van because of its environmental friendliness.

The benefits of electric vehicles

As the popularity of electric vehicles is on the rise, the range is also increasing. So you have more and more choice in the type of electric van you buy. Generally, electric commercial vehicles are more expensive to buy than fossil fuel vehicles, but this makes up for this in the long run. For instance, you pay comparatively less in charging costs than in fuel costs and an electric van requires less maintenance. After all, an electric car has fewer loose parts that can break down.

Important considerations when choosing an electric van

Range and charging time

One of the most important points to look out for when using an electric car for your business is the range and charging time of the battery. Here, it makes a difference, for example, whether you provide a lot of services in the city or, on the contrary, have to drive longer distances with your electric van. Generally, a distinction is made between 50 kWh batteries, with a range of 220 km, and 75 kWh, with a range of 330 km. However, various factors, such as the load weight, the weather and your driving habits, can affect the battery's range. In addition, a larger battery also means longer charging time.

Payload and interior space

It obviously depends on the type of services or goods you provide, how big the cargo space of the electric van should be. As with diesel cars, electric vans come in different sizes.

Reliability and maintenance

The best electric vans require little maintenance. Usually, the battery only needs to be replaced after about 10 years. Moreover, thanks to the growing popularity of electric cars, there is increasing innovation in reliability and maintenance.

Costs and financing options

On average, the purchase price of an electric van is higher than that of an internal combustion engine van. However, it comes with other financial advantages. You can make use of subsidies, such as the Zero Emission Company Car Subsidy Scheme, the Environmental Investment Deduction and the Small Scale Investment Deduction. The average purchase price for an electric company car is €51,500, but there are also more and more models available for under €30,000.

Environmental performance and sustainability

Another big advantage of an electric commercial vehicle is its environmental friendliness. Because it does not emit CO2 and is quieter than an ordinary van, it is also very pleasant for local residents. Moreover, by using the best electric company car for your business, you show that your company cares about sustainability. This creates a positive image among (potential) customers.

Overview of popular and best-performing electric vans

Brand and model

There are a number of vans that overall come out top in the test. We compare three of the best electric vans: the Citroën e-Jumpy, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Maxus eDeliver 9.

Key features and specifications

The Citroën e-Jumpy is similar to models from other brands, such as the Opel Vivaro-e and the Toyota ProAce electric. They are mid-size electric vans that can be supplied with either a 50 kWh or a 70 kWh battery. The Citroën e-Jumpy has a payload of up to 1275 kg and a load volume of up to 6.6 m³. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is currently only available with a 77 kWh battery, but the range is very likely to be extended with a 59 kWh and 89 kWh variant. The ID. Buzz currently has a range of 333 km. A Maxus eDeliver 9 is the ideal large van. It has a maximum payload of 1350 kg and a cargo volume of 12.5 m³. Moreover, the Maxus has a range of up to 353 km.

Price and availability

You can get a Citroën e-Jumpy from as little as €33,400. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz requires a big investment: it costs a minimum of € 71,490. The Maxus eDeliver 9 is in between at €49,990.

Advantages and disadvantages

All three of these models have their pros and cons. For example, the e-Jumpy and the ID. Buzz are on the smaller side, with the ID. Buzz is a lot more expensive. However, this van again has the largest range. The Maxus has a lot more cargo space and comparatively a very large range. However, Maxus is still a fairly unknown brand in Europe. The e-Jumpy is comparable to many other electric vans on the market. There is not much difference in price between them: often a price difference is about a different kind of charger or a difference in details.

Criteria-based assessment

Which of these three vehicles is the best electric van for your business depends on what you intend to do with it. For example, the e-Jumpy lends itself well to short trips around town, while the Maxus is ideal for companies that need to transport a lot of goods. All in all, all three models are a reliable and smart choice for your business.

What can we expect from new technologies and developments in the sector?

Thanks to the popularity of electric vans, there is a lot of investment and innovation in this field. Just as a version of the ID. Buzz a version with an 89 kWh battery is in the works, more and more developments are being made in terms of batteries and range. It is also becoming more affordable to go for electric used cars as the number of electric commercial vehicles on the market increases.

Potential impact of government policies and regulations on electric transport growth

More and more cities are opting to allow only zero-emission vans in city centres from 2025. At some point, it will become necessary to drive electric to deliver in certain cities. To prepare for the future, buying an electric van is therefore a good idea.

So which is the best electric van? All three models we have mentioned will serve excellently. However, which kind of van works best for your business depends on more factors. Nevertheless, investing in an electric fleet is a smart move either way. Save yourself costs in the long run, contribute to a better environment and capitalise on future government plans.

Advice for companies considering switching to electric vans

Make it easy on yourself and choose not only the best electric van, but also the best route planning software from RouteLogic. With our system, you have full control over the planning of your fleet and it is possible to plan routines quickly. Request a demo and experience how RouteLogic can improve your logistics operation.

We have even more information available that can help you make a careful consideration, all this information can be found via the links below.