The 10 best electric vans in 2025

13 minutes

Thinking about switching to electric? Well, there’s no better time than the present. In the UK, electric van sales are up over 47% year-on-year so far in 2025 (as of October), now accounting for 9.1% of the market, according to SMMT*. This rapid growth means electric vans now come in a wider variety of shapes, sizes, and price points than ever before, making it easier than ever for businesses to make the switch.

BEV sales infographic

Many van operators are understandably sceptical about going green, raising questions about the practicality of electric vans in day-to-day operations. But with huge developments in driving range and load capacity across the board, switching to electric may be a smart move for businesses, especially considering reduced running costs and the potential for long-term savings.

With such a choice of electric vans at your disposal, it's tricky to know where to start. That's why we've rounded up our 10 favourite electric vans on the market at the moment to help you choose. We'll look at practicality, range, payload and load space among other factors. Whether you need a compact city runabout or a heavy-duty workhorse, there’s an EV van to suit every job - and every budget.  

Are you looking for van insurance cover? Get in touch with us! A member of the Howden team would love to help you find a policy that's right for you!

Get a Quote


Note: figures are shown for the highest maximum driving range / payload / load volume version of each van. Specifications vary by model and configuration.

Don't get caught out. Sign up for your MOT reminder. Check MOT


1. Ford E-Transit

  • Maximum driving range: 249 miles
  • Maximum payload: 1,745kg
  • Maximum load volume: 15.1 cubic metres

Think electric power doesn’t suit big vans? The Ford E-Transit is here to prove you wrong. It strikes the perfect balance between range, payload, and price, avoiding the compromises rivals often make. Under the bonnet, the top-spec version is the most powerful working van on the market, with a staggering 261bhp on tap, while the entry model still offers a healthy 181bhp. Pair that with three driving modes and you can tailor performance to suit conditions or preserve battery life. The standard battery offers up to 196 miles of range, while the Extended Range model stretches that to 249 miles. Find a rapid charger and you can go from 15% to 80% in just 28 minutes.

Available in multiple body styles and two roof heights, it offers up to 15.1 cubic metres of load space and a payload of 1,758kg. Inside, the cabin feels spacious and comfortable, offering plenty of storage space. Coil-sprung rear suspension means a quieter ride and handling that feels tidy for its size. Two-stage regenerative braking may take a little getting used to, and the manual electric parking brake feels slightly unnecessary. But those are minor gripes. If you want an electric van that delivers serious power, generous space, and everyday usability, the E-Transit is hard to beat.


2. Ford E-Transit Custom

  • Maximum driving range: 209 miles
  • Maximum payload: 1,088kg
  • Maximum load volume: 9.0 cubic metres

The Ford Transit Custom is one of the UK’s most popular vans, so its move to electric power was inevitable and Ford has done it brilliantly. The E-Transit Custom feels as car-like to drive as its diesel sibling, with a smooth, bounce-free ride even at low speeds and effortless performance for local deliveries. Every model comes with a 64kWh battery offering up to 209 miles of range, so longer motorway trips are well within reach.

Ford has packed in clever tech too, including vapour-injected heat pump climate control, multiple power outputs, and the Pro Power Onboard system that delivers up to 2.3kW for tools and devices. Add a payload of 1,088kg, a towing limit of 2,300kg, and thoughtful touches like a flat cab floor and huge touchscreen, and you’ve got a very reliable green set of wheels.


3. Renault Master E-Tech

  • Maximum driving range: 285 miles
  • Maximum payload: 1,625kg
  • Maximum load volume: 14.8 cubic metres

The Renault Master E-Tech is built for long-distance work. With an 87kWh battery offering up to 285 miles of range between charges, it's offers the best range on this list. Rapid charging takes the battery to 80% in around 40 minutes, and power comes from a 138bhp motor which is less punchy than some rivals but perfectly capable in town or on the motorway. In terms of payload, it's a serious contender; the 3.5-tonne version carries up to 1,625kg and can tow 2,500kg, making it a strong choice for transporting heavy cargo without compromising range.

Inside, it feels more car-like than you’d expect, with a 10-inch touchscreen running Renault’s openR Link system, plus air-conditioning, digital displays, and plenty of storage, offering 135 litres in the cab alone. Load space is generous at 14.8 cubic metres, though there’s no extra-long version and prices are higher than diesel models. Still, if you need range, refinement, and serious carrying ability, the Master E-Tech is a strong contender.


4. Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo

  • Maximum driving range: 276 miles
  • Maximum payload: 712 kg
  • Maximum load volume: 3.9 cubic metres

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo is the van for businesses that want to stand out. Its retro-inspired design nods to the classic Type 2, while modern tech delivers up to 282bhp and an impressive 276-mile range from its 79kWh battery. Ultra-rapid charging takes you to 80% in under half an hour, and on the road it feels more car than van, with smooth suspension and well-suppressed noise for a refined drive.

While its great to drive, the cabin feels slightly cramped but does offer extra storage. Practicality is modest but usable, with a 3.9 cubic metre load bay that can fit two pallets and comes with twin sliding doors as standard. But if style matters more to you than payload, the ID. Buzz Cargo offers a distinctive alternative that combines image with everyday usability.


5. Peugeot e-Partner

  • Maximum driving range: 213 miles
  • Maximum payload: 803kg
  • Maximum load volume: 4.4 cubic metres

The Peugeot e-Partner shares its underpinnings with the Citroën e-Berlingo, Fiat e-Doblo, and Vauxhall Combo Electric, but adds a touch of Peugeot flair. Built on the EMP2 platform, it uses a 50kWh battery for up to 213 miles of range and feels pleasantly quiet on the move thanks to solid sound insulation. Performance is smooth and responsive, making it easy to handle in town or on longer runs.

Inside, the standout feature is Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout, which places the instruments above a small steering wheel rather than through it. It takes some getting used to but works well once adjusted. Space is generous for a compact van (up to 4.4m³ load space), and the cabin feels well thought out for everyday use. If you want a practical electric van with decent range and a dash of individuality, the e-Partner is a strong choice.


6. Renault Kangoo E-Tech

  • Maximum driving range: 186 miles
  • Maximum payload: 975kg
  • Maximum load volume: 4.2 cubic metres

The Renault Kangoo E-Tech takes everything drivers love about the regular Kangoo and adds the benefits of electric power. Its 45kWh battery delivers up to 186 miles of range, paired with a 121bhp motor that feels lively enough for city streets and occasional longer trips. Rapid charging takes the battery to 80% in around 27 minutes, and handling is impressively sharp despite the extra weight, helped by three selectable levels of regenerative braking.

Practicality is strong for a small van, with up to 4.2 cubic metres of load space, a payload of up to 975kg (LWB version), and clever touches like Renault's Easy Inside Rack for carrying long items inside the van. There’s almost 44 litres of storage in the cab, plus comfort features such as heated seats, air conditioning, and a heat pump for pre-warming the cabin. If you want sharp styling, low running costs, and everyday usability, the Kangoo E-Tech ticks plenty of boxes.


7. Toyota Proace City Electric

  • Maximum driving range: 213 miles
  • Maximum payload: 800kg
  • Maximum load volume: 4.4 cubic metres

The Toyota Proace City Electric shares its platform with several siblings but adds Toyota’s reputation for reliability and aftercare. Powered by a 50kWh battery and a 100kW motor, it offers up to 213 miles of range and feels punchy enough even when loaded. Rapid charging takes the battery to 80% in around 30 minutes, and two body lengths (medium at 4.4m and long at 4.75m) give buyers flexibility.

Inside, it’s comfortable and well-equipped, with smartphone connectivity and plenty of storage, plus Toyota’s ‘Relax’ warranty for up to 10 years of coverage. Payload tops out at 800kg, and all versions share a 1.90m height, making them practical for urban work. If you want a compact electric van with decent range, strong kit, and unbeatable warranty support, the Proace City Electric is a smart choice.


8. Toyota Proace Electric

  • Maximum driving range: 205 miles
  • Maximum payload: 1,253kg
  • Maximum load volume: 5.8 cubic metres

The Toyota Proace Electric delivers a smooth, refined drive that’s ideal for urban work. Under the bonnet, a 134bhp motor powers the front wheels, and it offers up to 205 miles of range with the larger 75kWh battery size. Charging isn't exactly class-leading though, capped at 100kW DC and taking around 45 minutes for an 80% top-up. As for driving style, it feels responsive and refined at lower speeds, making stop-start traffic and tight city streets easy to handle though acceleration fades beyond 40mph.

The Proace Electric has up to 5.8 cubic metres of cargo space and a payload of 1,253kg, though be aware that carrying a full load will reduce range. Despite this, the Proace's competitive pricing undercuts many rivals, and also includes Toyota’s 10-year ‘Relax’ warranty, making this a low-risk option for businesses ready to go electric.


9. Citroën e-Berlingo

  • Maximum driving range: 213 miles
  • Maximum payload: 803kg
  • Maximum load volume: 4.4 cubic metres

The Citroën e-Berlingo shares much of its DNA with the Peugeot e-Partner and other siblings, but it stands out with a sharper price and a few clever touches. Its 50kWh battery delivers up to 213 miles miles of range, and CCS fast-charging at up to 100kW means an 80% top-up takes around half an hour. On the road, it’s pleasant to drive and comes loaded with kit, offering all the space you’d expect for everyday jobs.

Inside, comfort is a highlight thanks to unique seat designs with denser foam and thicker bolsters—ideal if you spend long hours behind the wheel. Small door mirrors and the lack of a high-roof option hold it back slightly, but overall, the ë-Berlingo combines practicality, decent range, and strong value, making it a smart choice for businesses looking to go electric without overspending.


10. Ford E-Transit Courier

  • Maximum driving range: 181 miles
  • Maximum payload: 700kg
  • Maximum load volume: 2.9 cubic metres

The Ford E-Transit Courier thrives in the city, zipping through traffic and slotting into tight parking spaces with ease. It’s one of the most engaging small vans to drive, thanks to sharp handling and the instant acceleration of its 136hp electric motor. The 43kWh battery promises up to 181 miles of range -slightly behind rivals, but rapid charging at 100kW DC adds 125 miles in under 25 minutes. It’s quick enough for motorway runs, though wind noise becomes noticeable at higher speeds.

Practicality is impressive for its size, with 2.9 cubic metres of load space and a payload of 700kg, making it the smallest all-electric van you can buy in the UK, without sacrificing usability. Only one battery option and a modest range count as drawbacks, but if you need a nimble, well-equipped van for urban work, the E-Transit Courier is hard to beat.


Top 5 electric vans by maximum range

Rank Van model Maximum range
1 Renault Master E-Tech 285 miles
2 VW ID. Buzz Cargo 276 miles
3 Ford E-Transit 249 miles
4 Peugeot e-Partner 213 miles
5 Toyota Proace City Electric 213 miles

Top 5 electric vans by maximum payload

Rank Van model Maximum payload
1 Ford E-Transit 1,758kg
2 Renault Master E-Tech 1,625kg
3 Toyota Proace Electric 1,253kg
4 Ford E-Transit Custom 1,088kg
5 Renault Kangoo E-Tech 975kg

Top 5 electric vans by maximum load volume

Rank Van model Maximum load volume
1 Ford E-Transit 15.1 m³
2 Renault Master E-Tech 14.8 m³
3 Ford E-Transit Custom 9.0 m³
4 Toyota Proace Electric 5.8 m³
5 Peugeot e-Partner / Toyota Proace City / Citroën e-Berlingo 4.4 m³

 

Are you looking for insurance for your van? Get in touch with us! A member of the Howden team would love to help you find the perfect policy!

Get a Quote

This is a marketing article from Howden Insurance. The information in this guide is intended for general guidance only and is accurate at time of publication. Specifications, features, and availability may change, so always confirm details with manufacturers or dealers before making a decision.


Sources:

star symbol blue

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

crowd symbol blue

500,000+ Protected Clients

handshake symbol blue

Insuring for 30+ years

trophy symbol blue

Insurance Broker of the decade

Best electric vans in 2025: FAQs

What is the 80% rule for EV?

The 80% rule for EV charging is a guideline suggesting you should not charge your electric vehicle's battery past 80% for daily use. Doing so helps maintain your battery's health and longevity, as charging to 100% or depleting it to 0% puts more stress on the lithium-ion battery over time. Charging also slows significantly after 80%, so for long journeys, stopping at this point is usually faster and more efficient than waiting for a full charge

What is the best electric van in the UK?

It depends on your needs and preferences, but our top pick is the Ford E-Transit because it strikes the best balance of driving range, payload and load space. With up to 249 miles of range, a payload of 1,745kg, and a maximum load volume of 15.1 cubic metres, it’s practical enough for serious work while combining power with a smooth, comfortable ride.

What is the best small electric van in the UK?

If you’re looking for a compact electric van, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech is one of the strongest options thanks to its 186-mile range, clever storage solutions, and car-like driving experience. The Peugeot e-Partner and Citroën e-Berlingo are also excellent choices, offering similar practicality and range. For businesses that value peace of mind, the Toyota Proace City Electric stands out with its generous 10-year ‘Relax’ warranty, making it a low-risk option for long-term ownership.

Which EV van has the longest range?

The Renault Master E-Tech currently leads the pack with the longest driving range on the electric van market, at an impressive 285 miles. This makes it ideal for long-distance deliveries or businesses that need flexibility without constant charging stops.

Do I need to tax my electric van?

Yes, as of 1st April 2025, electric vans in the UK must be taxed. Previously, zero-emission vans were exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), but this exemption has been removed to align the taxation system across all vehicle types.

Also read: Rising road tax costs: what businesses need to know

Are electric vans cheaper to run than diesel?

Yes, electric vans typically cost less to run than diesel vans, thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs, especially if you charge at home overnight. While the initial upfront cost may be higher for electric vans, long‑term savings on fuel, servicing, road tax, and clean air zone fees usually make them cheaper over time.

What is the cheapest electric van in the UK?

Some of the most affordable electric vans on the market include the Citroën e-Berlingo, the Peugeot e-Partner and the Renault Kangoo E-Tech. These models are ideal for businesses that want to go electric without breaking the bank.

More resources


Related Products

Van insurance tailored to you.

We strive to help you save time and money when searching for van insurance.

Modified van insurance tailored to you

Make modifying your van simple and straightforward, with reliable modified van insurance cover.

Don’t let lost or stolen tools slow down your business, get specialist tools cover

Feel safe knowing that you have a back-up plan should the worst happen, thanks to comprehensive tools insurance.

Comprehensive cover for your business fleet

Trust a team of industry specialists with helping you find a fleet insurance policy that can provide cover for all your business vehicles.