In association with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Best electric vans 2026 – charged, tried and tested
The number of electric vans available to buy is growing, but which ones offer the right blend of range and practicality to make you go green, and which are the loose connections? Here we list the...
The number of electric vans on Britain's roads is only going one way – up. Indeed, official figures show that sales of electric vans is up by 39% in the first few months of 2026. So far this year, electric vans have accounted for 11.7% of total sales. All of that means that if you need a van for work, you'll want to consider going green.
In this story we'll reveal our top pick for Britain's best electric van, and name the other electric vans we think might suit your business needs. We'll also reveal which electric van you should avoid.
Remember, if you want more information on any of the vans featured here, you can follow the links through to our in-depth reviews. Plus, you can read more about how we rate and test vans in our dedicated feature.
Best electric vans to buy now – and how to get the best deal
| Make and model | List price from (excl. VAT) | Rating | Used van deals |
| Kia PV5 Cargo | £27,645 | 5 | Best used deals |
| Renault Master E-Tech | £34,435 | 5 | Best used deals |
| Volkswagen E-Transporter | £43,517 | 5 | Best used deals |
| Ford E-Transit Custom | £43,630 | 4 | Best used deals |
| Renault Kangoo E-Tech | £27,665 | 4 | Best used deals |
The best electric vans for you
The best electric van is also our reigning Van of the Year, the Kia PV5 Cargo. With excellent load-lugging capabilities, a long electric range and one of the most comprehensive aftercare packages around, it's the van which should encourage more businesses than ever to go green.
Need something a little larger? The Renault Master E-Tech proves that even larger companies should consider electric power. This all-new Master loses none of its forebears' practicality, but brings extra comfort, technology and safety into the mix.
The latest Volkswagen E-Transporter shares its underpinnings with another popular model, the Ford E-Transit Custom, but the Transporter builds on that successful formula with a higher quality interior and a strong aftercare package.
Best electric vans 2026
1. Kia PV5 Cargo
What Car? rating 5 stars
The Kia PV5 Cargo is the Korean brand's first entry into the van market, and it does something which few rivals can match – it was always intended to be electric. While most of the other electric vans here are converted from their combustion-engined siblings, which invariably leads to a few compromises, the PV5 was designed from the ground up as an electric van. That brings benefits to how it's put together and how much space you get inside, with the result being that despite having the price of a small van, it has space more akin to a medium van.
It's a great electric van, too. There are two battery options available, with the smaller 51.5kWh option bringing an official range of 184 miles, and the larger 71.2kWh Long Range model upping that figure to 258 miles. No matter which version you choose, the performance is strong. The ride, though soft, does a good job of soaking up lumps and bumps from the road too.
The PV5 Cargo is backed up by the same seven-year warranty which Kia offers on its road cars, which beats most of its rivals out of the park. Any repair costs should be kept to a minimum, too, since the PV5 uses modular parts.
In short, if you're thinking of getting an electric van, the PV5 Cargo is your best bet. It's an outstanding all-rounder, and our reigning Van of the Year for 2026.
Strengths Quiet, comfortable and efficient in real-world use | Modern design and well equipped as standard | Backed by Kia's seven-year warranty
Weaknesses Forward visibility hampered by thick A-pillars | Tyres struggle to put down power cleanly | Loading two Euro pallets isn't straightforward
Read our full Kia PV5 Cargo review >>
2. Renault Master E-Tech
What Car? rating 5 stars
Renault has plenty of experience in electric vans, and its largest model, the Renault Master E-Tech, is also its best. And when being the best means beating rivals including the Ford E-Transit and Maxus eDeliver 9, that's an impressive feat.
But then, the Master E-Tech is a very impressive van. The 87kWh battery pack offers an official range of up to 285 miles, meaning longer journeys don't need to be out of the question. and while the 138bhp motor may be down on power compared with some rivals, it still offers perfectly fine performance in or out of town.
Then there's the cargo space it offers, with most versions bettering both the e-Transit and the Mercedes eSprinter on a like-for-like basis. Plus, the 3.5-tonne variant leads the large van pack with a limit of 1125kg. If that's not enough, then the Master E-Tech is rated to tow up to 2500kg.
Those abilities mean that owners of the Master E-Tech don't need to compromise on practicality by going green.
Strengths Super-competitive pricing | Huge cargo area | Well equipped and comfortable
Weaknesses More expensive than diesel versions | Performance is fine rather than impressive | No extra-long versions
Read our full Renault Master E-Tech review >>
3. Volkswagen E-Transporter
What Car? rating 5 stars
The aptly-named Volkswagen E-Transporter is based on the same underpinnings as the Ford E-Transit Custom, so it won't surprise you to learn that the two vans are similar in a lot of ways. But while this is true, Volkswagen has also gone to some lengths to make the Transporter feel a bit more premium. That's most evident inside, where you'll find more high-end materials than in its Ford sibling, and more luxury available on upper trim levels.
Power comes from a single battery with up to 218bhp, fed by a 65kWh battery. The motor offers peppy performance, while the battery is officially good for 201 miles of driving – in the real world, expect to see closer to 180 miles depending on what you're carrying.
Where Volkswagen scores major points over Ford is with its aftercare service, which includes five scheduled services, three MoT tests, five years of roadside assistance and a five-year warranty. Next to that, Ford's own three-year offering seems somewhat miserly.
Strengths Reassuring aftercare package | Impressive ride, handling and refinement | Almost car-like interior
Weaknesses Pricier than rivals from Peugeot and Vauxhall | Some of the controls are fiddly
Read our full Volkswagen E-Transporter review >>
4. Ford E-Transit Custom
What Car? rating 5 stars
The larger Ford E-Transit is a former Van of the Year, so it stands to reason that bringing the same know-how to the smaller Ford Transit Custom would create something truly special. And it is, with the Ford E-Transit Custom's 65kWh (usable capacity) battery offering an official range of up to 209 miles – more than is offered by the rival Vauxhall Vivaro Electric.
Unlike some rivals, there are multiple power outputs to choose from too. Most versions of the E-Transit Custom will be powered by a 134bhp motor, which makes for easy progress on most roads, while the 215bhp version is quicker still. Then there's the hot MS-RT model, which can sprint to 62mph in around seven seconds courtesy of its 281bhp output.
Of course, the E-Transit Custom doesn't skimp on business credentials either, because its load bay is every bit as usable as that of its combustion-engined sibling. That means it can carry longer items than the Vivaro Electric, as well as more weight. The towing limit is an impressive 2300kg, too.
Strengths Class-leading load volume | Impressive electric range | Innovative body style options
Weaknesses Only one side door | No high roof option | Dashboard design is a little too minimalist
Read our full Ford E-Transit Custom review >>
5. Renault Kangoo E-Tech
What Car? rating 4 stars
The Kangoo E-Tech takes everything that we like about the regular Renault Kangoo, and adds in the potential for low running costs thanks to electric power.
The result is a decent electric range of up to 186 miles according to official tests, and plenty of punch thanks to its 121bhp electric motor. The Kangoo E-Tech handles very well despite carrying around a heavy battery pack, and we appreciated that there are three levels of regenerative braking to choose from, so you can decide how much of your braking energy is put back into the battery to extend your tidy. It also rides better than the rival Peugeot e-Partner and Vauxhall Combo Electric .
We also like that most volumes are able to carry decent load volumes, while innovations such as Renault's Easy Inside Rack – which allows you to carry longer items like ladders on the inside of the van rather than the outside – increase everyday practicality.
Strengths Good electric range | Powerful motor | Spacious passenger and load compartments
Weaknesses Lacking on some options until crew cab version arrives | Slightly more expensive than some rivals
Read our full Renault Kangoo E-Tech review >>
6. Mercedes eCitan
What Car? rating 4 stars
If you like the look of the Renault Kangoo E-Tech above, but would rather have a premium badge on your van's bonnet, then the Mercedes eCitan should be your next logical stepping stone. That's because it's twinned with both the Kangoo and the Nissan Townstar EV, so shares many of the same virtues as those vans.
That means you get the same nippy 121bhp electric motor and 45kWh battery, which in the eCitan is good for an official range of 174 miles. And while the Kangoo E-Tech has slightly more space available for drivers to store their odds and ends, the eCitan counters with a better infotainment system, with Mercedes MBUX software proving to be flash to look at and quick to respond to your inputs.
You'll pay more for an eCitan than you will for most rivals, but if you value high-end comfort, we think it's a price worth paying.
Strengths Quiet yet comfortable | Roomy interior | High levels of safety
Weaknesses Limited equipment on base trim |More expensive than rivals
Read our full Mercedes eCitan review >>
7. Nissan Townstar EV
What Car? rating 4 stars
Nissan certainly knows a thing or two about building electric cars, but the Townstar Electric aims to show that van drivers can benefit from green power too. It swaps combustion power for a 45kWh battery and a 121bhp electric motor which provides peppy performance, and enough range to officially cover 183 miles between charges.
The Townstar EV has the edge over rival small electric vans such as the Citroën e-Berlingo when it comes to driving dynamics, feeling more agile even when fully loaded, while the interior impresses with plenty of upmarket materials and creature comforts. We just wish the infotainment system had a higher-resolution screen.
As with all Nissan vans, the Townstar EV comes with a five-year warranty, while its battery is covered for eight years. Speaking of the battery, charging it from 15-80% can take as little as 37 minutes if you use an 80kW rapid charger.
Strengths Smart interior | Five-year standard warranty | Comfortable and easy to drive
Weaknesses Poor infotainment system |Only top trim gets full safety kit | No fast charging option on base models
What Car? rating 4 stars
The Ford Transit is consistently one of Britain's best-selling vans, and the all-electric E-Transit offers a compelling proposition to go green – with a long electric range of up to 196 miles between charges, agile handling that makes it feel smaller than it really is to drive, and a spacious yet practical interior.
This largest electric Transit makes good sense for fleets, too, because it will cost you less to buy than some rivals, including the Mercedes eSprinter , and is about on par with the Renault Master E-Tech. The Ford is better than either of those models to drive, however.
There are two power outputs to choose from, and even the entry-level 181bhp model offers plenty of punch. The top-rated 261bhp model feels quicker than any large van has a right to.
Strengths Staggering power | Attractive infotainment | Huge range of body types
Weaknesses May be too fast for some fleets | High rear step | Two-stage regenerative braking takes some getting used to
Read our full Ford E-Transit review >>
9. Toyota Proace City Electric
What Car? rating 4 stars
The Toyota Proace City Electric is part of a badge-engineered foursome of electric vans, with the Citroën e-Berlingo, Fiat e-Doblo, Peugeot e-Partner and Vauxhall Combo Electric sharing its parts and attributes.
Just like its siblings, the Proace City Electric has a decent electric range which officially allows it to travel for up to 171 miles between charges, while drawing energy from its 50kWh battery.
The single 134bhp electric motor is punchy, too, providing plenty of power even when it's loaded up with people and items. That the Proace City also comes with lots of kit and has the backing of Toyota's excellent warranty scheme in case anything goes wrong completes a very tempting package. In fact, that aftercare service is why the Proace City Electric goes above its Stellantis siblings here.
Strengths Long equipment list | Rapid charging | Excellent scheme warranty
Weaknesses Small door mirrors | Limited choice of bodies | Expensive up-front cost
Read our full Toyota Proace City Electric review >>
=10. Citroën e-Berlingo Van
What Car? rating 3 stars
As you might expect, many of the e-Berlingo's qualities are shared with its siblings from Fiat, Peugeot, Toyota and Vauxhall. Where the e-Berlingo has the edge over those models, however, is with a keen price. Indeed, it represents something of a bargan in the electric van class.
Add in that the e-Berlingo comes loaded with kit, offers all the space you could want and is decent to drive, and it's easy to recommend. In fact, only its small door mirrors and the lack of a high roof variant stop it from rising any higher up our rankings.
Strengths Low running costs | Rapid charging | Well thought out load space
Weaknesses Small door mirrors | No high roof variant
Read our full Citroën e-Berlingo Van review >>
=10. Fiat e-Doblo
What Car? rating 3 stars
Fiat has taken more trouble than most to make the e-Doblo stand out from the pack, including offering buyers a number of options packages to allow you to tailor the van for specific uses. Among those is the Worksite Kit pack, which increases the van's ground clearance, adds extra engine protection and reinforced tyres for extra protection over rough terrain. Then there's the Access and Go pack, which brings keyless entry and wireless phone charging, and the Winter Pack which adds a heated steering wheel and heat pump.
Elsewhere, driving the e-Doblo feels much the same as any of its badge-engineered siblings, which is to say it feels competent if not outstanding. The ride comfort is slightly firm, for example, and the steering is pleasantly sharp.
There's a decent amount of storage space in the cab, and loadspace for cargo in the rear is good – matching the non-electric Ford Transit Connect for capacity.
Strengths Punchy performance | Competitive payload | Good interior layout
Weaknesses Rivals have a more comfortable ride | Limited cab storage | Top trim is pricey
Read our full Fiat e-Doblo review >>
=10. Peugeot e-Partner
What Car? rating 3 stars
Like its badge-engineered siblings, the Peugeot e-Partner is good to drive, has a long range and offers plenty of space for anything you might wish to haul around. It's also pleasantly quiet on the move, partly thanks thanks to the lack of a combustion engine, but also thanks to lots of sound-deadening materials being used to separate you from the outside world.
Where the e-Partner differs from its stablemates, is inside, where you get the same i-Cockpit layout that features Peugeot cars. With that, you looking over a small steering wheel at the instrument cluster, rather than through it. It takes some getting used to, and won't be for everyone, but works well enough once you've set up your ideal driving position.
Strengths Low running costs | Rapid charging | Well thought out load space
Weaknesses Small door mirrors | No high roof variant
Read our full Peugeot e-Partner review >>
=10. Vauxhall Combo Electric Cargo
Star rating 3 stars
The same strengths that make the Citroën e-Relay, Fiat e-Doblo, Peugeot e-Partner and Toyota Proace City Electric so recommendable to those looking for a small electric van also apply to the Vauxhall Combo Electric.
Namely, that means it's decent to drive, with the same 50kWh battery and 134bhp electric motor which features in its siblings providing a good range and peppy performance – even if you've loaded it to the gunwhales with people and luggage.
Like its siblings, it struggles in not offering the plethora of body styles which appeal to larger fleets, but for drivers who need to move a reasonable amount of load in the city, the Combo Electric makes a good choice.
Strengths Fast charging | Good storage
Weaknesses Dynamic trim is basic | Sibling vans from Citroën, Peugeot and Toyota receive more kit
Read our full Vauxhall Combo Electric review >>
And the electric van to avoid...
Citroën Ami Cargo
It's tiny, yes, but Citroën's smallest van isn't really a van at all, it's more of a quadracycle which has some extra space for a toolbox...but not much else.
Read our full Citroën Ami Cargo review >>
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Read more: Best and worst electric cars >>
FAQs
If you're looking for the electric van which can travel the furthest on a single charge, then the answer is the Renault Master E-Tech. With an official range of up to 285 miles, and the ability to charge from 5-80% in 38 minutes if you use the fastest charging points, it's ideally suited to drivers needing to go further afield. We like the Master's intelligent driver assistance systems and that it's pleasant to drive, plus its cargo area is nothing short of huge.
The best small electric van is the Kia PV5 Cargo – our reigning champion among electric vans and our current Van of the Year. What makes the PV5 so recommendable? Well, since it was designed from the outset to be electric, it's packaged very efficiently. As well as that, it can carry big loads and travel almost as far as the Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo on a charge. Add in one of the most comprehensive aftercare services around, and it's easy to recommend.
Yes, electric vans can be a lot cheaper to run than traditional diesel-engined models, but you'll get the biggest bang for your buck if you can charge them up either at home or at work. That's because using a charger at those places rather than relying on the public charging network means you can schedule your charging for when the energy prices are cheapest, meaning it can cost just a few pounds to top up your battery.
E-Van is a term some van makers have begun using to describe their electified models. In practical terms, an E-Van can refer to a van which is either fully electric or a plug-in hybrid . And since there aren't many of the former, most buyers can take the term E-Van to mean an electric van.
How we choose the best electric vans
Our list of the best electric vans you can buy is continually updated, following a continual programme of testing and retesting every model on the market.
That full regime is fully outlined in our how we test vans feature, but because our expert reviewers understand that the needs of the electric van buyer are often different to those choosing a petrol or diesel-powered van, we pay special attention to the following areas:
Electric vans are best suited to congested urban roads, so our testers consider how they tackle the kind of rough, broken Tarmac and speed humps drivers will encounter every day. Refinement is key to staying safe and relaxed on the road, so we assess road and wind noise, plus any acoustic interference from the suspension. Electric vans will lose marks for interior bangs or rattles, too.
Key to the ability of any van is its practicality and cargo-carrying capacity. That means we measure the outright capacity, and compare its payloads with rivals – both electric and combustion – to ensure it’ll be suited to your needs. We also assess how far – and how easily – all doors open, the height of the cargo floor. Extra marks go to vans with features that make life easier, such as a load-through bulkhead or electrically opening side doors.
Not only will we tell you how many miles an electric van will travel on a charge using official figures, but we’ll also confirm how many miles you can realistically expect in the real world. We examine the time it’ll take to charge from home and rapid public chargers, and assess the tech that might help you travel farther or charge faster. Crucially, we compare these figures with rival models..
These are just some of the tests every van goes through before it’ll be given the definitive What Car? rating. Our feature outlines how we test vans.
