€2–4 — of energy per 100 km, against €11–14 for diesel.
Electric vans are the first electric vehicles that are genuinely profitable without subsidies. A diesel van burns 8–10 l/100 km, or €11–14 per 100 km; its electric equivalent uses 20–26 kWh/100 km, or €3–4 when charged at home or at the depot. Over 25,000 km a year the gap exceeds €2,000, before lower servicing and access to low-emission zones.
The limits are well known: 200–300 km of real range, slow charging on entry-level models (50 kW DC) and a purchase price 20–40 % higher. For an urban round of less than 150 km with overnight depot charging, the maths is decisive.
Key characteristics and figures
| Load volume | 3 to 20 m³ |
|---|---|
| Battery | 45 to 90 kWh usable |
| WLTP range | 200 to 350 km |
| New price (France) | €30,000 to €60,000 |
| Consumption | 20 to 26 kWh/100 km |
| Payload | 600 to 1,400 kg |
Strengths and limitations
- The lowest running cost on the market
- Access to low-emission zones and clean-fleet public contracts
- Lower servicing (no oil changes, regenerative braking)
- Depot charging during off-peak hours
- Limited range for long routes
- Higher purchase price than diesel
- DC charging often capped at 50–80 kW
- Payload reduced by battery weight
Who is this type of car for?
- Last-mile urban delivery
- Tradespeople and municipal technical services
- Rounds under 150 km returning to the depot
- Corporate fleets subject to clean-vehicle quotas
Representative models
A selection of recent models that define the segment, for guidance only: the market moves fast and ranges are renewed regularly.
- Renault Renault Kangoo E-Tech — 45 kWh, 3.9 m³, the small van benchmark.
- Citroën Citroën ë-Berlingo Van — 50 kWh, 4.4 m³, 800 kg payload.
- Ford Ford E-Transit — Up to 89 kWh and 4.25 t.
- Peugeot Peugeot e-Expert — 75 kWh, 6.6 m³.
- Volkswagen Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo — 79 kWh, 3.9 m³.
How to choose in this segment
- Size the battery to your real use, not to the exceptional trip: 10 kWh more costs €3,000–6,000 and 50–80 kg.
- Check the charging curve before the peak power: the curve determines your motorway stops.
- Compare boot volume below the parcel shelf and the loading sill height, both more meaningful than the total figure.
- Check the battery warranty and after-sales coverage near you.
- Calculate the four-year total cost: energy, insurance, tyres and depreciation.
Frequently asked questions about electric vans
What real range does an electric van deliver?
200–300 km in urban and suburban use, 150–200 km on the motorway fully loaded. In winter, with heating and cargo, subtract 20–30 %.
Is an electric van profitable without subsidies?
Yes in most intensive urban use: the energy gap reaches €7–10 per 100 km and servicing is 30–40 % cheaper. The purchase premium is paid back in three to five years, or two to three with local incentives.
Can an electric van be charged from a standard socket at the depot?
A 16 A reinforced socket adds 15 kWh overnight, or 60–80 km: not enough for most rounds. An 11 or 22 kW wallbox is the depot standard, with load management to smooth the bill.