Interest in electric vans among tradespeople rose by 75% in September 2025 compared with the same month in 2024, according to industry data. The increase coincided with improvements in vehicle range and charging capability, as well as growing attention to emissions standards.
Tempcover analysed a selection of small, medium and large electric vans released in 2025 using manufacturer-published specifications. The analysis assessed models on criteria including cargo capacity, battery range and charging time, producing an overall score intended to compare suitability for trade use.
Small Electric Vans
The Ford E-Transit Courier tops the small electric van category (78/100), making it an ideal choice for tradespeople who need a compact, easy-to-manoeuvre van for city streets and busy sites. With a 10.7m turning circle, it offers good manoeuvrability, while a 181-mile range ensures most daily routes can be completed without frequent charging, keeping drivers on schedule.
Tied for second, the Peugeot e-Partner and Fiat e-Doblò (72/100) are great for tradespeople who want to keep it small but need extra range for longer routes. The e-Partner offers one of the largest battery ranges in its class, while the e-Doblò’s narrower body can make city driving and site access easier.
| Rank | Small Van | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Turning radius (m) | Battery range (miles) | Charging time (mins) | Estimated miles per charge minute | Index score /100 |
| 1 | Ford E-Transit Courier | 1,852 | 1,813 | 4,343 | 10.7 | 181 | 23 | 6.3 | 78 |
| =2 | Peugeot e-Partner | 1,796 | 1,848 | 4,403 | 11 | 213 | 30 | 5.7 | 72 |
| =2 | Fiat e-Doblò | 1,796 | 1,700 | 4,401 | 12.5 | 213 | 30 | 5.7 | 72 |
| 4 | Vauxhall Combo Electric | 1,860 | 1,848 | 4,403 | 10.8 | 209 | 30 | 5.6 | 67 |
| 5 | Citroen e-Berlingo | 1,812 | 1,848 | 4,403 | 11 | 212 | 30 | 5.7 | 65 |
Medium-Sized Electric Vans
For tradespeople who need extra cargo space without sacrificing efficiency, the Fiat e-Scudo tops the medium electric van category (69/100). Its relatively compact dimensions compared to other top-ranked models make it a practical option for busy job sites, while a 219-mile range supports a full day of work without frequent charging.
Coming in second, the Peugeot e-Expert (65/100) offers a slightly longer 230-mile battery range. Meanwhile, the LEVC VN5 (63/100) stands out for both manoeuvrability and long-distance capability, boasting the smallest 10.1 m turning circle in its class, making it a strong choice for tradespeople who need both agility on tight streets and the endurance to cover longer jobs without stopping frequently.
| Rank | Medium Van | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Turning radius (m) | Battery range (miles) | Charging time (mins) | Estimated miles per charge minute | Index score /100 |
| 1 | Fiat e–Scudo | 1,900 | 1,920 | 4,980 | 12.4 | 219 | 45 | 3.9 | 69 |
| 2 | Peugeot e-Expert | 1,900 | 1,920 | 4,983 | 12.4 | 230 | 45 | 4.1 | 65 |
| 3 | LEVC VN5 | 1,990 | 1,945 | 5,233 | 10.1 | 308 | 30 | 8.2 | 63 |
| 4 | Citroen e-Dispatch | 1,904 | 2,204 | 4,981 | 12.4 | 231 | 45 | 4.1 | 58 |
| 5 | Vauxhall Vivaro Electric | 1,904 | 2,010 | 4,981 | 12.4 | 230 | 45 | 4.1 | 54 |
Large Electric Vans
For tradespeople who need maximum cargo space without forgoing practicality, the Fiat E-Ducato tops the large electric van category (86/100). Its 267-mile range and relatively compact dimensions for a large van can make city streets and tighter sites easier to navigate.
The Peugeot e-Boxer (67/100) delivers a 263-mile range, making it suitable for longer routes, though its wider body can make navigating narrow streets less straightforward. The Ford E-Transit (64/100) benefits tradespeople on intensive workdays, with fast charging helping to keep the van ready with minimal downtime.
| Rank | Large Van | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Turning radius (m) | Battery range (miles) | Charging time (mins) | Estimated miles per charge minute | Index score /100 |
| 1 | Fiat E-Ducato | 2,254 | 1,810 | 5,413 | 12.5 | 267 | 55 | 3.9 | 86 |
| 2 | Peugeot e-Boxer | 2,254 | 2,050 | 5,413 | 12.9 | 263 | 55 | 3.8 | 67 |
| 3 | Ford E-Transit | 2,490 | 2,059 | 5,531 | 12.8 | 249 | 28 | 7.1 | 64 |
| =4 | Nissan Interstar EV | 2,498 | 2,080 | 5,780 | 12.8 | 285 | 70 | 3.3 | 42 |
| =4 | Mercedes eSprinter | 2,620 | 2,020 | 5,932 | 13.2 | 272 | 34 | 6.4 | 42 |
Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary business van insurance expert at Tempcover, shares her top tips to help tradespeople pick an electric van to suit their needs:
- Match the battery range to a realistic working day: Base your battery needs on the miles you actually cover each day. Avoid paying for a range you won’t use, but don’t cut it too fine. Remember that heavy loads, cold weather and stop-start driving can all reduce real-world range.
- Compare additional features: When choosing your van, think about features that support how you actually work, such as racking systems or tow-bars. Focus on what’s essential for your business and check which models offer these as options.
- Consider temporary insurance for test drives: If you’re test-driving different electric vans, temporary van insurance from as little as one hour offers a flexible way to stay covered without committing to a full annual policy. It lets you legally try out vehicles and see how they fit your working day before making a final decision.
