Toyota Proace Electric review

Toyota isn’t typically associated with vans or electric vehicles so the Toyota Proace Electric – its first all-electric vehicle to go on sale in the UK – is something of a departure for the Japanese brand.

Its arrival shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, though. Like the diesel Toyota Proace, the electric version is based on the same platform as the Citroen e-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro-e.

All four vans are produced by the mighty Stellantis Group (once known as PSA), and are available in two battery sizes: 50kWh and 75kWh. They give the Proace Electric – which is powered by a 100kW (134bhp) electric motor producing 192lb ft of torque – an official range of 142 and 205 miles respectively, according to WLTP tests.

Unlike its relatives, the Proace Electric is not available in a range of body styles and sizes. Instead, Toyota has chosen to offer just one mid-length vehicle to meet the needs of its key market – namely small and medium-sized fleets, which account for more than 95% of its van sales.

Rival electric vans include the Maxus E Deliver 3, the Mercedes eVito, the Nissan e-NV200 and the VW ABT e-Transporter. There are also several hybrid models to consider, including the Ford Transit Custom PHEV and the LEVC VN5 (a van based on the TX electric taxi).

This Toyota Proace Electric review will tell you all you need to know about running one, including what it's like to drive, whether it's good value, how big the load space is and how it compares with its rivals. We have full separate reviews of the closely related Citroen e-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro-e.

Don't forget, whichever van you decide suits your needs, we can help you find the best leasing deals for personal or business use through the free What Car? Leasing section, which has a wide range of deals on many makes and models.