The ideal last-mile delivery

Should van drivers consider making the switch to electric? Darren Cassey tries out the new electric Toyota Proace.

The market for vans that don’t cost much to run, and don’t incur low emission zone charging is only set to increase this year. That’s where electric vans come in, and with many drivers typically not driving too many miles during a work day, there are fewer concerns about needing to top up the batteries. One vehicle targeting this market is the Toyota Proace City Electric, which we’ve been testing in long wheelbase form.

WHAT’S NEW?

This is the City model, which joins the Proace Electric medium duty van launched earlier last year. It has an electric motor on the front axle driving the front wheels and a battery pack that doesn’t intrude into the cargo space at all. The gear shifter has been swapped for a drive selector with a switch that can ramp up the regenerative braking, which can maximise range in urban locations. It promises ultra-low running costs in the long-term thanks to its electric powertrain, which makes it extra appealing to companies, as well as the 10-year warranty.

UNDER THE BONNET

Power comes from an electric motor that provides front-wheel drive. It makes 134bhp and 260Nm of torque in its power setting, 108bhp/210Nm in normal and 81bhp/180Nm in Eco. The power output is sprightly but, even in its more powerful mode, lacks that instantaneous punch we’ve come to expect from

EVs. The battery has a 50kWh capacity that provides a range of 168 miles, and can be charged at up to 100kW, with an 80% charge possible in 30 minutes.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The driving experience was hugely impressive. Modern vans are close to the refinement of cars and the Proace City Electric is no different. The seat isn’t particularly supportive but it’s otherwise comfortable, and when pulling away the electric motors provide a satisfying surge. Even more impressively there are no squeaks and rattles from the body that might normally be hidden by a rumbling diesel engine, while road noise isn’t too intrusive either. Out on the road, it’s comfortable thanks to its soft suspension, but manages to restrain too much body roll once at higher speeds. But it’s in towns where the Proace City Electric feels most at home, soaking up bumps and sprinting through traffic with ease.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The interior trim quality is impressive, considering it’s largely made up of hard-wearing plastics, while the central infotainment screen adds a welcome touch of modern technology. Ahead of the driver is a digital dials display that’s unique to the Electric model and displays all the relevant information, such as battery range. The passenger bench folds down, which increases the load space to 4.4m3.

THE VERDICT

We’ve been mighty impressed by Toyota Proace Electric van. It’s comfortable, soaking up bumps well, while also being easy to drive – particularly in urban environments. We do have some concerns over battery range, particularly once the van is fully loaded, so if you’re considering one, it’s definitely worth studying your daily mileage and/ or charging possibilities. If this is no concern though, this is an excellent van that should cost peanuts to run in the long-term.