The Toyota Hilux has been around for decades now and it’s still one of the best pickups available to buy. It’s not only durable and tough, but the latest version also delivers a car-like cabin and a comfortable ride. It’s not a cheap pickup but the Hilux does have a solid build and great driving dynamics. A revamp in 2021 so the introduction of a powerful 2.8-litre diesel engine.
The Vauxhall Movano-e completes the electric line-up for the British vehicle maker. It now sits alongside the excellent Vivaro-e, and the Combo-e to give firms and private users a great, battery-powered van to consider. While the headline figure of 139 miles of range is for the larger battery, careful thought needs to be given before opting for the smaller battery delivering 72 miles of range.
The Peugeot e-Boxer is a large electric van that offers a range of 139 miles and a variety of body sizes. It’s a well-designed panel van that is suitable for multi-drops, and it shares the same platform as the Vauxhall Movano-e and the Citroen e-Relay.
One of the big issues for any firm thinking of switching from diesel-powered transport to battery power is the question of range. With the Maxus e Deliver9, drivers get a range of 219 miles and a spacious van. The e Deliver9 has zero emissions with low running and maintenance costs. For those who may not be aware, the Maxus is the rebadged LDV range.
The Peugeot e-Partner is a well-designed and well-made electric van that goes on sale in late 2021. It’s the sibling to the likes of the Vauxhall Combo-e and the Citroen e-Berlingo. There’s a lot to like with a range of 171 miles and it has the firm’s unique i-Cockpit interior to help set it apart from its close relations. Also, this latest version of the e-Partner is nothing like the previous model in handling, comfort and battery range.
While there’s a lot to like – and not like (for example, the price tag) – the Volkswagen ABT eTransporter really should be an all-round brilliant van. It does most things really well but other medium-sized electric vans offer more range and more equipment. If your business uses Transporters, then the eTransporter will meet your needs. If you can wait, Volkswagen is set to unveil a more impressive electric Transporter in 2022 to meet tightening environmental regulations in cities and countries.
The Mercedes Citan is based on the Renault Kangoo but is a much better van – the three-pointed star has polished the original offering and pushed up the quality to warrant the price tag. A new Citan is planned for launch in 2022 but the latest model still has a lot to recommend it.
The Fiat e-Ducato is the firm’s first foray into electric van manufacturing, and they have done a decent job. Considering how competitive the segment is becoming, there’s a lot to recommend the e-Ducato with a driving range of either 113 or 230 miles. Perhaps the strongest consideration is the best-in-class payload the e-Ducato offers at 1,885 kg.
The Citroen e-Berlingo electric van will prove to be a top seller and sits alongside its siblings, the Peugeot e-Partner and the Vauxhall Combo-e to bring an impressive small van to the market. For most businesses, the e-Berlingo will have the edge when it comes to capabilities and performance when compared with the Combo-e and the e-Partner. There are a lot of similarities with the diesel-powered alternatives and with a better range, the e-Berlingo should really be road-tested by firms to ensure it meets their needs.
It’s already won the prestigious Van of the Year 2019 award (along with its stablemates the Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo) so is the all-new Vauxhall combo worth the coveted title? The short answer is ‘Yes’ and the influence from the new Peugeot ownership makes this an impressive new offering compared to its predecessor. The Combo scored more points from the judges than the Mercedes Sprinter, which was in second place and is an excellent offering. If you’re in the market for light commercial vehicle then the Vauxhall Combo should be on your shortlist.