Best small electric van to buy

Best small electric van to buy

The best small electric van to buy in the UK will have to factor in what is more important, range, charging time or cargo capacity. While that sounds good, the fact that there are two small vans that have balanced those factors and have become popular choices. They are the Nissan e-NV200 and the Renault Kangoo Z.E. 33. MultiQuoteTime can offer comparison quotes for both small and large vans powered by electric or fossil fuel or hybrid.  

Nissan e-NV200

The Nissan e-NV200 has been in production since 2013 and has been improved annually with each new model year. The knowledge from the very popular and reliable Nissan Leaf has been incorporated into this small van. The specifications for this small van include the following:

  • Cargo volume: 4.2 m3
  • Max cargo area length: 2.8 m
  • Width cargo area: 1.5 m
  • Height cargo area: 1.36 m
  • Payload capacity: 542 to 705 kg
  • Motorway range:124 WLTP
  • Motor: 80Kw with 107bhp
  • Acceleration: 0 to 62mph in 14 seconds
  • Max speed: 76 mph
  • Battery: 40KWh
  • Retail price: £20,005 - £22,665
  • City range: 187 WLTP

The placement of the batteries in the floor panels allows for the van to have a low centre of gravity for improved stability over its petrol and diesel powered cousins. This van can also be charged in three different fashions. The Rapid charge can provide up to an 80% charge in 40 minutes. The fast charge from a home or office wall charger can reach 100% in 7 ½ hours. A domestic plug-in will reach 100% in 21 ½ hours.

Renault Kangoo Z.E. 33.

The Renault Kangoo Z.E. 33 has been in production since late 2011. They have also made annual improvements to the motor and batteries to help boost the performance of the van. This is the main rival for the Nissan e-NV200 in sales and popularity. The technology is derived from the Renault ZOE. The specifications for this small van include the following:

  • Cargo volume: 3.4 m3
  • Max cargo area length: 1.86 m
  • Width cargo area: 1.2 m
  • Height cargo area: 1.13 m
  • City range: 161 WLTP
  • Acceleration: 0 to 62mph in 20.3 seconds
  • Max speed: 81 mph
  • Retail price: £23,472 to £24,480
  • Max cargo area length: 1.86 m
  • Width cargo area: 1.2 m
  • Height cargo area: 1.13 m
  • Payload capacity: 605 to 640 kg

The batteries are in the floor panel which helps provide a stable and smooth ride. The charging of the batteries is limited by the lack of CHAdeMO socket so the rapid charge is not possible. The fast charge at a public unit will take 6 hours and at home, the time required for a full charge is 11 hours.

The Nissan e-NV200 is statistically better except in the charging time. This is expected since the Renault batteries are smaller. The Renault electric van also goes faster which will reduce its range. Once you have decided to purchase an electric van, the next step is to receive several van insurance quotes. This will make it possible for you to drive legally on the road once a policy is taken out. If the van is to be used as part of your business then quotes for courier vans is recommended.

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