For businesses and tradespeople looking to clean up their daily transportation, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to an electric van, with more models on the market than ever – with a wide range of configurations, range, and pricing. With significant improvements to battery technology in recent years, the latest generation of electric vans are a significant step up from the disappointing initial entries into the electric van market. Many new models offer a driving range north of 250 miles, whilst still offering respectable maximum payload capacities. These are the best electric vans in 2026.
What is the best electric van to buy in 2026?
Kia PV5 – Renault Master E-Tech – Farizon V7E – Mercedes-Benz eCitan – Ford e-Transit Custom
Kia PV5 – The best all-rounder
A relative newcomer to the electric van space, the Kia PV5 is a strong contender, and is already proving a hit with businesses and individuals. The PV5 can be specified in multiple formats, including five/seven-seat passenger guise, cargo, wheelchair accessible, or as a barebones chassis cab – allowing tools such as a tipper to be installed. In cargo form, the PV5 offers a payload of up to 790 kilograms.
The Kia PV5 also impresses on battery range. When specified with the larger 71.2kWh battery pack, the PV5 can managed a claimed WLTP combined range of 258 miles. Combine that with a maximum recharging speed of 150kW on a suitable public charger, and the PV5 can easily cover long distances too.
A recent record attempt significantly exceeded this claimed figure, reaching 430 miles on a single charge. This means the PV5 currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled on a single charge in a light electric van.
Renault Master E-Tech – The longest range electric van
The large Renault Master E-Tech is currently the longest range electric van you can buy in Europe, with a claimed maximum range of 285 miles. And, depending on the specification, it can offer an impressive maximum payload of 1,125 kilograms.
Pricing sits at a premium over the diesel equivalent, as you’d expect, but with lower running costs, reduced servicing requirements, and growing access to zero-emission zone incentives, the business case is increasingly straightforward – particularly for higher-mileage users.
Farizon V7E – The best value electric van
Chinese automaker Geely’s commercial vehicle branch, Farizon, has now entered the electric van sector, taking on established brands in the space such as Ford, Vauxhall, and Renault.
With pricing starting from just £28,000 in the UK, the Farizon V7E’s value proposition could be enough to tempt fleet operators and tradespeople alike away from established rivals.
The V7E can be optioned with either a 50kWh or 67kWh battery, with the latter offering a claimed range of 204 miles. Where the V7E most impresses is payload, with a maximum of 1,338 kilograms depending on specification.
Mercedes-Benz eCitan – The best small electric van
If you’re looking for a small electric van, the Mercedes-Benz eCitan is a good option – and the same goes for its sibling models based on the same underpinnings, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Nissan Townstar EV.
Maximum range of the eCitan is around 176 miles, while a maximum payload of 616kg is also possible, depending on exact specification. As well as being offered in panel van form, the eCitan can also be ordered as a crew vehicle, adding rear seats to carry more passengers to jobs.
Ford e-Transit Custom – A customer favourite enters the EV era
The Transit van has been a firm favourite of tradespeople for decades, and Ford is hoping that long-standing reputation can continue into the electric era with the e-Transit custom. It also includes Ford’s ‘Pro Power’ technology, allowing 2.3kW worth of power to be outputted to external devices such as laptops, lights, and electric tools, whilst off the grid.
Ford is offering the e-Transit custom in both panel van, double-cab, multi-cab, and kombi (up to 9-seater) configurations.
