Once a niche choice, electric vans are now a much more realistic and increasingly popular option for both businesses and private use. As demand for low-emission transport continues to grow, more van makers have introduced battery-powered versions of their most popular models, and the technology has come a long way in just a few years.
Today's electric vanbs are more affordable, have longer ranges, and charge faster than every before. So whether you're after a small van for local deliveries or a large panel van for more heavy-duty work, there's now a used electric van to suit just about every job and budget.
Tempted to make the switch? Then check out the range of electric vans for sale on heycar.
There are several compelling reasons that more businesses and sole traders are switching to used electric vans,. but the chief one is cost savings. While electricity prices fluctuate, charging a van at home or work is almost always significantly chepaer than filling up with petrol or diesel. These savings can really add up over time, especially if you do a lot of miles.
The days of electric vans being slow and overly compromised are all but over. Many now offer similar performance to their diesel counterparts, and some even outperform them in terms of acceleration. With improvements in battery technology, you can drive further then ever on a single charge, and rapid charging makes it possible to top up your battery in minutes.
There are other benefits, too. Switching to electric will help reduce your carbon footprint, which could help your business's green public image. Electric vans don't produce any polluting exhaust emissions, and they're quiet, too, making them great for early morning deliveries or jobs in areas with noise restrictions.
The market for used electric vans is expanding rapidly, and there's now a wide range of makes, models, and body sizes to consider.
Some of the best-known (and most widely available) models come from the Stellantis group, including the Peugeot e-Partner, the Citroen e-Berlingo, the Vauxhall Combo Electric and the Fiat E-Doblo. These small vans will give you great all-round usability and competitive ranges – up to 170 miles. There's also easy access to parts and servicing all across the UK.
If you're after something more distinctive, check out the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo, which has both style and substance with a retro-inspired look and a battery range of up to 256 miles . The Mercedes-Benz eVito and Renault Kangoo E-Tech (formerly the Kangoo ZE) are also good options, with car-like comfort and long-range practicality.
For even more space, larger electric vans include the Ford E-Transit, the Volkswagen e-Crafter, the Mercedes eSprinter, and the Peugeot e-Boxer, all of which offer serious load capacity. However, that comes at the cost of range, which can be limited due to their size and weight. Something to keep in mind if your routes are long.
The most important thing to consider when buying a used electric van is whether the range and charging options fit your daily needs. If your work is mostly short trups around town or scheduled local routes, most small and mid-sized electric vans will be ideal. But if you cover long distances or carry heavy loads regularly, you'll need to factor in that larger electric vans often have shorter ranges – sometimes less than 100 miles in real-world conditions, especially when the weather is cold.
You also need to think about how you'll charge. If you have charging facilities at home or work, then an EV can make perfect sense, but relying solely on public chargers can be both inconvenient, time-consuming and expensive.
When you're looking at a used electric van, ask for details of the battery warranty, check the charging history, and look for signs of battery degradation or previous accident damage. Most van manufacturers will provide separate warranties for the battery – usually around eight years or 100,000 miles.
Keep in mind that the purchase prices of electric vans, while getting more competitive, can still be higher than diesel equivalents. However, many buyers find that the total cost of ownership makes electric a preferable option.
If an electric van isn't quite right for you, we've also got 1000s of used vans for sale to suit all budgets.
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