There’s a choice of two batteries, either 47kWh or 79kWh, which offer a range of 146 miles and 230 miles respectively. Fiat has improved the recharging rate for the E-Ducato with a maximum 50kW charge. On the smaller battery it takes 50 minutes to charge up to 80 per cent and the larger battery it takes 1 hour 25 minutes.Â
7. LEVC VN5Â
- Electric range: 73 miles (309 miles in total)
- Cargo volume: 5 cubic metres
A slightly different approach to plug-in hybrid van technology comes from LEVC and its taxi-based VN5 van. It features a petrol engine, but it’s used as a generator which sends power to the electric motor, rather than the wheels.
There’s a 31kWh battery, so the VN5 has an all-electric range of 73 miles. When the battery is flat, the engine kicks in, and the van has a total range of 309 miles. That means the VN5 is a viable everyday van that will be able to operate just like a diesel van, and if you keep the battery charged, then you might not even trouble the petrol engine on most journeys.
Inside, there’s a payload of 830kg and a cargo volume of 5.5 cubic metres, so the VN5 isn’t the biggest van around, but it should be enough for urban deliveries. There are three trim level but as standard there’s dual-zone climate control, bluetooth, two USB ports, a nine-inch touchscreen, keyless start and automatic LED headlights.
