Costs & verdict
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
The VN5 has a WLTP-certified range of 61 miles on a fully-chagred battery, but with the range-extender engine also working to constantly top up the battery, that range increases to 304 miles total. CO2 emissions are rated at 21g/km, and fuel economy from the petrol engine at 314mpg. The VN5 can recharge in as little as 30 minutes using a 50kW charging point, and can use both CCS and Chademo connections. Using a 7kW wall charger, the total charge time increases to a little less than four hours.
But here’s the rub: the VN5 is an expensive van, and even with the government’s grant for plug-in vans takeninto account, you’ll pay far more than you would for one of its electric rivals.