Electric vans have been around for a while now, tempting businesses with their cost and environmental benefits, plus the wealth of generous grants and benefits, such as exemption from tolls and clean air zones. 

Their appeal, however, has been limited by short driving ranges and reduced carrying capacities compared with diesel-powered equivalents. But that’s set to change in 2024 as a host of major van makers update and upgrade their line-ups, as well as launching new models. 

We already love the Volkswagen ID Buzz, even if it’s not the biggest or most cost-effective model, and we’re particularly excited by the arrival of the Ford Transit Custom - the smaller, more city-friendly relation to the impressive E-Transit. But there are plenty of great options out there already, so we’ve lined up the best electric vans you can order right now, plus a few that are just around the corner.

1. Volkswagen ID.Buzz

The ID. Buzz Cargo might not be the biggest or most efficient van on the market, and normally that would rule it out of the running for a vehicle which has to appeal to your head (or accountant) as much as your heart. But the desirability means resale values are high, which keeps the lease costs down and means the Volkswagen might cost less than boring rivals.

That’s not to say that it is too compromised. It is based on the same platform that sits beneath all Volkswagen models – from the Cupra Born to the ŠKODA Enyaq. That gives it a car-like driving experience and build quality which is miles away from utilitarian competitors.It is also practical. Its twin sliding side doors and the choice of a lifting tailgate or rear barn doors give access to a large load area with a capacity of 3.9 cubic metres. It’s big enough to hold two Euro pallets and has a maximum payload of up to 607 kg, which can be secured via a host of lashing rings in the floor and walls. The ID Buzz Cargo can even tow loads of up to a tonne.

2. Ford E-Transit

The E-Transit was a revelation when it arrived in 2023 thanks to its impressive value, range, practicality and driving experience. With the big ‘Ford Pro’ support package from the manufacturer on offer as well, it’s probably a more significant car for Ford than something like the Mustang Mach-e. 

 It's no poorer in terms of working practicality than its forebears. You can have the new e-Transit in three lengths and two heights, including a bare chassis for sticking specialist equipment onto, a double-cab set up for extra people, and various other configurations. 

 With a claimed range of up to 196 miles depending on which variant you have, the E-Transit jumped to the top of the large vans heap at launch but recent updates to rivals have knocked the E-Transit down the range rankings.

3. Vauxhall Vivaro Electric

Like European royal families, today’s vans are often closely related. That’s because they’re often made by the same conglomerates on shared assembly lines and sold with different badges. This is why the Peugeot Expert, Citroen Dispatch, Vauxhall Vivaro and Fiat Scudo light commercials look like near-identical siblings. There’s even the far-flung foreign cousin - in the shape of Toyota’s Proace. 

 All four vans have been updated for 2024, including improved drivetrains and cabin technology, but apart from some very minor styling and spec differences, the way they do things is very similar, so we’ll concentrate on the Vivaro Electric. 

This is a Ford Transit Custom rival and, for 2024, has a 75kWh battery stuffed under its load deck, powering a 134bhp motor. The updated battery has a claimed range of 217 miles - an improvement of 12 miles on the previous model. It accepts up to 100kW DC charging, which will take the battery from 5-80% in 45 minutes, according to Vauxhall. A standard 7.4kW onboard AC charger can be upgraded to an 11kW one. 

The Vivaro Electric comes in two body lengths - of 4.98m or 5.33m - and offers up to 6.6m3 of load capacity and the ability to carry items up to 4m in length if you opt for the load-through bulkhead. Load capacity and towing capacity, however, are down on combustion versions - at around one tonne for each.

4. Citroen e-Berlingo

As above, the Stellantis platform-sharing model means that the e-Berlingo is all but identical to the Peugeot e-Partner, Vauxhall Combo Electric, Fiat Doblo and Toyota Proace City. And, like their bigger relations above, they have been updated for 2024. This time we thought we’d give the Citroen the limelight. 

Two body lengths are offered (4.4 and 4.75m long). The smaller version will take 3.8m3 of goods, the longer van 4.4m3. Payload is up to 991kg, and towing capacity 750kg. 

 In 2024, official range has jumped to from 174 to 205 miles courtesy of a new 52kWh battery (50kWh usable) and a new heat pump. The 134bhp electric motor is capable of 84mph, but at that speed you’d be breaking the law and getting through your allotted electricity rather faster. Citroen claims fast charge electrical replenishment in as little as 30 minutes. These figures apply, more or less, to Vauxhall, Peugeot, Fiat and Toyota’s equivalent vans.

The Berlingo has plenty of competition - most of it virtually identical

5. Ford E-Transit Custom 

The Transit Custom is the best-selling one-tonne van in Europe, so the all-electric version is a big, big deal for Ford. And it’s got us pretty excited too.

Under the panel van body is a 74kWh battery that Ford says is good for up to 205 miles of motoring. There are two motor options - 134bhp or 214bhp - both powering the rear wheels and delivering 306lb ft of torque. Charging is courtesy of 11kW AC or 125kW DC, which allows a 15-80% recharge in 41 minutes. 

Two body lengths and roof heights offer load volumes from 5.8 to 9m3, with a payload of up to 1,100kg and a maximum load length of 3.45m. There are also double-cab and passenger van bodies and, unique to the segment an L-shaped bulkhead, with a two-seat second row and full-length cargo area with composite bulkhead. 

The E-Transit Custom is designed to help productivity on the go as well, so there’s 5G mobile connectivity, a steering wheel that folds up to become a laptop table and a delivery assist system that will, allegedly, help multi-drop deliveries by automatically switching on/off hazard lights, closing windows and locking/unlocking the vehicle as the driver exits and enters.

Racing stripes must add some extra range, surely

6. Renault Kangoo Z.E. & Nissan Townstar

The third generation Kangoo arrived in UK showrooms in 2023 to challenge the Stellantis crew above, and ditched the previous, decade-old version’s rounded, soft toy looks for sharper styling. 

 Under the more attractive skin, the latest Kangoo is a smallish delivery van with a 118bhp motor and 45kWh battery. Renault reckons that’s good for up to 186 miles of driving range in the smaller of the two body configurations, or slightly less in the larger version. DC charging runs up to 80kW, which should take it from 15-80% in half an hour, while there’s a standard 11kW AC onboard unit too. 

The two body configurations offer a load volume of 3.3m3 to 3.9m3 in the short L1 variant and from 4.2m3 to 4.9m3 in the longer L2 van. Loads of up to 2.5 metres can be carried inside using the innovative retractable rack system in the roof, and the Kangoo E-Tech can tow up to 1.5 tonnes. 

 As for the Nissan? It's replacement for the pioneering e-NV200 is nothing more than a rebadge of the Renault.

The new Kangoo - the model has been one of the most successful electric vans

7. Renault Master Z.E.

Like virtually every van on this list, 2024 brings major changes for the Renault Master and while the old Master E-Tech remains on sale just now, pre-orders are already open for the much-improved version. 

The new version uses a 141bhp/221lb ft motor and an 87kWh battery in place of the old van’s 76bhp motor and 52kWh battery. According to Renault, that should allow it to travel more than 255 miles on a charge, with consumption of 2.95 miles/kWh.

Moving with the times, there’s now 130kW DC charging which should add more than 140 miles of range in 30 minutes, while 22kW AC charging remains, giving a 10-100% charge in four hours. Vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid technology is also present, allowing drivers to power everything from laptops to tools from sockets in the van, and even feed power back into the grid via compatible chargers. 

The more powerful motor means the electric Master can now carry a 1,625kg payload and has a towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes. Up to 20 derivatives and body styles are available, with load capacities between 11m3 and 22m3.

8. Fiat Ducato Electric

Yes, this Italian badged large van is the same vehicle as the Peugeot e-Boxer, Citroen e-Relay and Vauxhall Movano Electric (plus the newly launched Toyota Proace Max). And yes, like that lot, it’s undergone some significant improvements for the start of 2024. 

Key among those is a new 110kWh battery, which brings a 30% jump in range. The Ducato will now cover 261 miles on a full charge (but presumably unladen), and will charge at up to 150kW, allowing an 80% top-up in less than an hour. The van’s motor has also been upgraded to a 266bhp unit. 

There are three lengths and three heights with space for stuff ranging from 10m3 to 17m3. Chassis cabs are also offered for trades that need specialist bodies (from removal persons to butchers).

9. Mercedes eVito

Looking for an alternative to the Ford Transit Custom with a slightly posher badge? Step this way towards the Mercedes-Benz eVito. 

 It’s a similar size to the smaller Transit variant and offers a similar prospect for buyers. There are two vehicle lengths - L2 and L3 - which will carry between 812kg and 832kg in the load space . Shorter vans offer a load compartment that’s 2.8 metres long and has a maximum capacity of 6m3, while the longer version adds 20cm and 0.6m3 of space. The rear doors open to a full 180 degrees and there’s a powered side door too - pure luxury! 

Powering the eVito is a 114bhp motor on the front wheels, supported by a 66kWh battery that should offer up to 162 miles of motoring. There’s 80kW DC charging which will allow a 10-80% top-up in around 35 minutes, plus 11kW AC for charging away from the rapid network.

10. Mercedes eSprinter

Once again, 2024 is set to bring big changes for the eSprinter, including more than doubling the range of the existing van, which was already one of our favourites. 

The new version is being launched in stages but, thankfully, the panel van will be the first to arrive, with certain versions set to hit the streets any day now. That van comes with a choice of 100kW or 150kW motors and 56kWh or 113kWh batteries. The larger of those offers up to 248 miles of range while 80kW DC charging should take it from 10-80% in just over 40 minutes. 

Exact on-sale dates for the different versions are still to be confirmed but by the end of 2024 the range will include two body lengths with a carrying capacity of up to 14m3 and the ability to tow up to two tonnes. There will also be a cab and frame option that can be modified depending on its end use.

The new eSprinter is racing to showrooms any day now

11. Maxus Deliver 7

More mature readers might remember a van brand called LDV, which churned out vans which were used almost exclusively by the Post Office, police and as school minibuses. These days LDV calls itself Maxus, is a Chinese company, and has three pure electric models competing in the commercial vehicle segment. 

The Deliver 3 is a rival to the e-Berlingo and Kangoo, while the Deliver 9 faces off against the e-Transit and eSprinter, leaving the Deliver 7 to compete with the e-Transit Custom, Vivaro etc. 

 There’s only one panel van body on offer with a load capacity of 6.7m3 and a maximum payload of 1,135kg, which is better than most of its rivals. The Deliver 7 will also tow trailers up to 1,500kg. Hauling all that weight won’t help with energy consumption but an unladen van should cover up to 196 miles on a charge of its 77kWh battery. Recharging from 20-80% will take around 45 minutes via 90KW DC charging, while a 5-100% AC charge can be completed in eight hours.