5 Best EV Vans in Australia

When it comes to making choices, we always strive to select the best options that align with our needs and preferences. Whether it's a car, a gadget, or even a service, we seek out products that offer the highest quality, exceptional performance, and a pleasing design. This principle holds when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs) as well, especially for those looking for vans that can accommodate both personal and commercial needs. The best EV vans on the market not only provide practicality but also contribute to a sustainable future, allowing drivers to make eco-friendly choices without sacrificing functionality.

The shift towards electric vehicles is becoming increasingly evident in Australia, with a staggering 50,918 EVs sold in the first six months of 2024. This figure represents 8 percent of the new car market, highlighting a significant trend toward greener transportation solutions. As more Australians recognise the benefits of EVs the demand for electric vans is increasing. This growth reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and the transition towards a cleaner, more efficient automotive landscape.

So what's next? Start your journey to learn more about EV vans. Want to know the key factors to consider when choosing an EV van? Curious about the benefits of having one? And most importantly, are you ready to discover the best EV vans available in Australia? Stick around as we explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

What’s Inside:

• What is an EV Van?
• The Rise of EV Vans in Australia
• Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best EV Van
• Benefits of EV Vans
• Five Best EV Vans in Australia
  • Ford E-Transit
  • Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
  • Peugeot e-Partner
  • LDV e-Deliver 9
  • Renault Kangoo E-Tech
• Van-tastic Choices: Grab the Best EV Vans on Motor Matcher

What is an EV Van?

An electric vehicle van is a type of van powered entirely by electricity, using an electric motor and battery instead of an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline or diesel. These vans are part of the broader category of electric vehicles (EVs) and are designed for various purposes, including cargo transport, passenger services, or commercial deliveries.

The Rise of Electric Vehicles in Australia

The Blade Electron, an Australian-made electric car that debuted on Australian roads in 2008, marked the beginning of the country's gradual shift to electric vehicles (EVs). Although the Blade Electron was Australia's first EV, the fully electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV came in 2011 and gave the country's EV market genuine progress. Afterward, the 2012 release of the hybrid Toyota Prius C increased consumer and business curiosity about eco-friendly car options.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best EV Vans

The right EV van depends on your intended use, whether for personal or commercial purposes, and how often you'll be driving long distances or carrying heavy loads. Below are some top factors to consider when choosing the best EV vans for your business or your family:

Range and Battery Life

• Consider the range- Assess how far you need to travel daily. Most EV vans offer varying ranges. Choose a model that comfortably exceeds your daily travel needs to accommodate unpredicted circumstances or longer trips.
• Charging time- Look at how long it takes to charge the vehicle. Check the van’s compatibility with various charging stations, including public fast chargers and home charging solutions.

Capacity and Payload

• Cargo space- Depending on your usage, whether for transporting goods or family, evaluate the van's cargo space. Consider how much equipment, luggage, or groceries you need to carry.
• Passenger capacity- For family use, consider how many seats you need. Some EV vans are designed for larger families, while others focus on cargo space.
• Payload capacity- Check the maximum weight the van can carry, which is crucial for businesses transporting heavy goods.

Charging Infrastructure

• Home charging- Evaluate your home’s electrical infrastructure. You might need to install a dedicated charging point, which can add to initial costs but will provide convenience.
• Public charging availability- Check the availability of charging stations in your area and along routes you frequently travel. Apps and maps can help locate charging points, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure may be less developed.

Performance and Handling

• Driving experience- Test drive different models to assess handling, acceleration, and comfort. Electric vans typically offer a smooth driving experience, but each model can feel different.
• Terrain adaptability- Consider the driving conditions you’ll encounter. If you’ll be navigating hilly or rough terrain, ensure the van can handle those conditions effectively.

Safety Features

• Safety ratings- Look for vans with high safety ratings and features such as airbags, stability control, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that can enhance safety for both family and cargo.
• Technology integration- Consider features such as infotainment systems, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smart technology that can improve convenience and usability.

Benefits of Having an EV Van

Electric vans (EVs) offer numerous benefits that make them an attractive option for both businesses and families. Here’s a detailed overview of the benefits you can expect when choosing an electric van:

Improved Air Quality

EV vans produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to lower air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is especially important in urban areas where air quality can be a significant concern.

Cost Savings

Electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel, leading to lower fuel expenses. Also, electric vehicles have fewer moving parts compared to traditional combustion engines, which translates to reduced maintenance costs over time.

Better Performance

Electric vans are known for their impressive performance characteristics, particularly their instant torque and smooth acceleration. This combination of performance and efficiency makes electric vans a practical choice for various driving needs.

Improved Technology Features

Modern electric vans typically come equipped with advanced technology features that enhance convenience and usability. Many models include state-of-the-art infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and navigation tools, making driving more enjoyable and efficient.

Enhanced Brand Image

As environmental considerations become more critical in consumer choices, having an electric fleet can serve as a valuable asset for businesses looking to stand out in a competitive market.

Convenient Charging

Charging an electric van can be incredibly convenient, especially with the option of home charging. By installing a dedicated charging station at home, you can charge your electric van overnight, ensuring that it is ready for use each day without the need to visit a gas station.

Five Best EV Vans in Australia

Here are the best EV vans available in Australia, offering a sustainable solution for businesses and fleet operators looking to reduce their environmental impact. Whether for urban deliveries or commercial logistics, these EV vans deliver on performance, efficiency, and eco-friendliness.

Ford E-Transit

The Ford E-Transit stands out as one of the best EV vans available in Australia, especially for businesses operating within urban environments. With an impressive estimated driving range of up to 307 km, it is perfectly suited for fixed drive routes and daily operational needs. Its powerful electric motor delivers peak outputs of 198 kW and 430 Nm of torque, making it the most potent Transit model on the market.

The E-Transit’s intelligently designed battery is strategically placed beneath the vehicle, ensuring that the cargo capacity remains unchanged at up to 12.4 cubic metres, just like its diesel counterpart. This design feature allows businesses to maximise both performance and utility, catering to a wide range of commercial applications.

The inclusion of features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Monitoring further elevates its appeal to fleet operators, ensuring that drivers are supported and safe while on the road. With these features combined, the Ford E-Transit represents a forward-thinking solution for businesses looking to transition to electric vehicles without sacrificing performance or cargo capacity.

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter boasts impressive range capabilities, offering around 500 km on the WLTP city cycle, making it an excellent choice for businesses with extensive urban driving needs. The top-tier eSprinter features a robust 113 kWh battery pack, providing ample power while accommodating a generous 14 cubic metres of cargo space in the rear and a substantial payload capacity of up to 4,250 kg.

Additionally, the eSprinter will offer lower-spec variants with battery options of 56 kWh and 81 kWh, catering to various operational requirements. All battery configurations are designed for efficient fast charging at rates of up to 115 kW, ensuring minimal downtime for fleet operators. With its impressive range, robust cargo capacity, and versatile battery options, the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is poised to become a top contender in the electric van market, providing businesses in Australia with a reliable and powerful solution for their commercial transportation needs.

Peugeot e-Partner

The Peugeot e-Partner offers a range of competitively priced electric vans tailored for commercial use. This model features a powerful electric motor that delivers 100 kW of power and 260 Nm of torque, providing efficient performance for various business applications. Equipped with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the e-Partner offers a practical driving range of 245 km, making it suitable for urban and suburban deliveries.

Built on a compact wheelbase platform, the e-Partner maximises storage with a capacity of 3.9 cubic metres, allowing businesses to transport goods effectively. Additionally, it boasts a payload capacity of 800 kg and a braked towing capacity of 750 kg, making it versatile for a variety of commercial tasks. With its combination of affordability, performance, and practical storage solutions, the Peugeot e-Partner stands out as one of the best electric vans available in Australia, catering to the needs of families seeking a reliable and spacious vehicle while also supporting businesses transitioning to electric mobility.

LDV e-Deliver 9

The LDV e-Deliver 9 is a noteworthy addition to the electric van market, built on the foundation of a successful petrol-diesel full-size commercial van. Like the Ford e-Transit, it seamlessly transitions to all-electric propulsion while retaining the versatile cab-chassis, mid-roof, and high-roof configurations of its conventional siblings.

The e-Deliver 9 is available exclusively with a 3.76-metre long wheelbase, with cab-chassis models featuring a 65 kWh battery that offers up to 150 km of range. In contrast, the mid-roof and high-roof models are equipped with a larger 88.55 kWh battery, providing an impressive driving range of up to 280 km, making it suitable for various urban and regional tasks.

All versions of the e-Deliver 9 come standard with an 11 kW onboard AC charger and an 80 kW onboard DC charger, ensuring efficient charging options. Additionally, the e-Deliver 9 qualifies for the Australian government’s Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) rebate, further enhancing its appeal for businesses and environmentally conscious buyers looking for a reliable electric van in Australia.

Renault Kangoo E-Tech

The Renault Kangoo E-Tech has established itself as one of the pioneering electric vans in Australia, providing a compelling option for businesses and families alike. Equipped with a 45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, it offers an impressive driving range of up to 300 km on the WLTP test cycle. The front-mounted electric motor delivers 90 kW of power and 245 Nm of torque, ensuring responsive performance for various urban and suburban driving needs. 

The standard model provides 3.9 cubic metres of cargo space and a payload capacity of 600 kg, while the larger Kangoo E-Tech L2 variant enhances these figures to 4.9 cubic metres of storage and up to 800 kg of cargo capacity. This versatility makes the Kangoo E-Tech an excellent choice for businesses needing efficient transportation solutions or families seeking a spacious and eco-friendly vehicle.

Van-tastic Choices: Grab the Best EV Vans on Motor Matcher

As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, Australia is witnessing a remarkable shift towards eco-friendly commercial transportation. Whether you’re a business owner looking to reduce your carbon footprint or a family in search of a spacious, efficient vehicle, the best EV vans available today offer an impressive combination of performance, range, and practicality. These innovative vans are designed to meet the diverse needs of Australian drivers, providing exceptional cargo space and advanced technology to ensure a smooth and reliable driving experience.

Ready to find the perfect electric van that suits your lifestyle? Look no further than Motor Matcher, your go-to online classified platform for the best EV vans in Australia! With an extensive selection of listings and user-friendly filters, you can easily compare models, prices, and specifications, making your search a breeze. Don’t miss out on the chance to drive into the future—ride and save with Motor Matcher.