The Complete Guide To Electric Delivery Vans

The best electric delivery vans

What are the best delivery vans in 2022? That question can’t be answered without taking a peek into the world of electric vans. Many of the top brands have upgraded their electric van models in 2021 and 2022.

The best way to find the right electric delivery van for your business is to complete a comparison. While you’re looking at electric delivery vans, you’ll notice that the price tag can be above £30,000. Buying an electric van isn’t always achievable for some businesses, even if that business is ready to move to electric.

Luckily, the best electric vans are also available for hire. You don’t have to face that high price tag and take on a depleting asset. We’ve taken a peek at the top electric delivery vans on the market so you can find the best vehicle to hire for your business.

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

• Payload: 731kg
• Range: 82 – 95 miles
• Battery size: 55kWh
• Speed: 0-60mph in 11 seconds

The eSprinter is a popular pick for any delivery business sending out parcels in the city. The van is light, easy to drive, and has a big enough range to get your drivers where they need to be. You don’t get much of a choice when it comes to the actual size of the vehicle, unlike some other electric vehicles. On the bright side, the latest version of the van (the eSprinter Progressive) can be upgraded to rapid charging for easy urban travel.

Citroen e-Berlingo 2021

• Payload: 800kg
• Range: 171 miles
• Battery size: 50kWh
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 11 seconds

Despite its smaller battery than the eSprinter, the e-Berlingo can push out to over 170 miles in the right conditions. If you need to carry more, you can. The e-Berlingo is available in two sizes — the medium (4.4 m long) and the Extra-Large (4.75 m long). The e-Berlingo works best for delivery drivers who take longer journeys or operate in areas without many electric charging points due to its longer range. The e-Berlingo can be upgraded to rapid charging, though the battery can also be filled up overnight from a regular 7 kWh charger.

Nissan e-NV200

• Payload: 705kg
• Range: 124 miles
• Battery size: 40kWh
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 14 seconds

Released in 2021, the latest Nissan e-NV200 has a larger load than its predecessor and a longer range. If you keep to city conditions, the electric delivery van can make it to over 180 miles. If you only have a lighter payload but need to go the distance the Nissan e-NV200 is a nice choice. The van has a lower price tag than some others on the market. If you plan to buy this van, you may want to consider the upcoming Nissan Townstar which has more upgrades.

Peugeot e-Expert

• Payload: 1,275kg
• Range: 211 miles
• Battery size: 40kWh
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 13.1 seconds

The 75kWh is available if you upgrade. If you’re going to get the Peugeot e-Expert, we think it’s worth going for the larger battery to get the higher range. The 40 kwh can still get a respectable 143 miles. The e-Expert is highly customisable, so you can make this van fit any delivery driver needs. The van is available in three different lengths: 4609mm, 4959mm and 5309mm. Regardless of which version you buy, the van is versatile for any delivery.

Renault Kangoo ZE

• Payload: 640kg
• Range: 143 miles
• Battery size: 33kWh
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 21.8 seconds

Only need a lighter payload? Need to get around tricky, small streets? The Renault Kangoo ZE is a good fit for you. Although the Kangoo ZE has one of the smaller payloads of electric vans, for many businesses that’s all you need. Increasing the payload and length is possible as the van is available in a few different sizes, such as 1476mm and 1862mm.

Maxus e Deliver 3

• Payload: 1,202kg
• Range: 150 miles
• Battery size: 52.5kWh
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 11 seconds

A smaller battery of 35 kWh is available, though it cuts down the van’s range to about 99 miles. We recommend taking the 52.5 kWh battery if you can, just for convenience. We’ve found that the Maxus e Deliver 3 works best in urban conditions, where you can expect the battery to last up to 141 or 213 miles depending on the battery size you pick. Unlike some other vans on this list, the e Deliver is only a two-seater van. If you’d like more room in the front, this van might not be for you.

Why choose an electric delivery van?

Thinking about buying an electric van? One recent survey of business owners found that 84% are already considering getting an electric van. But what benefits do they offer? The environmental benefits are great, but EVs have financial incentives for companies as well. Here’s how an electric delivery van can help your business.

1. Future-proof your business

The UK is slowly phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles. If you’re on the road, you’ve seen the rise of electric charging stations and the rise of petrol and diesel costs. With the trend moving towards EV, businesses would do well to start investing in electric vans for futureproofing.

2. Reduce your running costs

Electric vans are at least 19% cheaper to run than diesel vans as electricity is cheaper by the mile than diesel. Citroen claims that their Berlingo Electric van costs 2-3p per mile run on average. These are massive savings compared to the average diesel and petrol vehicle. Fuel for a petrol car costs about 20p per mile, while a diesel car costs about 17.9p per mile.

3. Avoid Clean Air Zone charges

More and more urban areas are introducing Clean Air Zone charges to improve air quality. Portsmouth, Bath, and Birmingham were among the first few. In 2022, Bradford and Bristol will also have a Clean Air Zone charge. Greater Manchester and other cities are also considering the charges. Half of these Clean Air Zones charge vans and the majority charge heavy good vehicles. One of the few ways for businesses and sole traders to avoid the added charges is to drive an ultra low emission vehicle.

4. Cash in on government grants

The one downside of buying an electric van is the high initial cost. No one can deny that electric delivery vans tend to be more expensive than their diesel counterparts. But if you buy an electric van for your business you can benefit from the [Plug-in Vehicle Grant] from the UK government for up to 35% off the price tag (maximum £2,500).

5. Spend £0 on road tax

Electric vehicles are exempt from paying road tax. Hybrid vehicles don’t count, though! Electric vans come with other reduced charges, too. Travelling to Central London? You’ll be inside the The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). If you’re driving an ultra-low emission vehicle, though, you won’t have to pay the £12.50 daily charge.

How to get your electric delivery van

An electric van can cost anywhere from £30,000 onwards, depending on the model and upgrades you get. For small business and sole traders, that high initial cost can make electric vans unappealing.

Hiring also means you’re not locked into owning an asset that will decrease in value overtime. Electric vans are constantly being upgraded and improved with each model. Hiring gives your business more flexibility.

If you want an electric van, we recommend getting a vehicle hire contract. But there are many providers out in the market. To find a deal that best suits you, use our quote tool.